China’s decision to supply Pakistan with eight Hangor-class submarines, equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), is reshaping the security dynamics of the Arabian Sea. But senior Indian naval planners maintain that despite the upgrade, India’s maritime dominance remains unequivocal.

Under a nearly $5 billion deal, Pakistan is set to receive all eight submarines — an export variant of China’s Type 039A Yuan-class — by 2028, with the first joining the Pakistan Navy in 2026. Four subs are being built in China and four in Karachi.

Pakistan’s New Underwater Teeth

The Hangor-class submarines mark Pakistan’s most significant naval upgrade in decades. Key features include:

• AIP system allowing underwater endurance of 2–3 weeks

• 2,800-tonne displacement, 77 m length

• Up to 20 knots submerged

• Six torpedo tubes capable of firing YJ-18/YJ-82 anti-ship missiles

• Potential integration of Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile

• Crew strength of around 40

Pakistan currently operates eight to nine submarines, most ageing Agosta and Cosmos boats. With the Hangors, the fleet expands to 16–17 submarines, improving Pakistan’s ability to contest waters near its shoreline. However, it remains a coastal (littoral) navy and lacks destroyers or aircraft carriers.

India’s Maritime Power Still Overwhelms Pakistan

India’s strategic posture in the Indian Ocean remains vastly superior.

Indian Naval Strength

• 150+ active vessels, with 50+ under construction

• Two aircraft carriers: INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya

• 19 submarines, including:

  • Nuclear-powered Arihant-class SSBNs

  • A leased Russian nuclear attack sub (SSN)

  • Six modern Kalvari-class Scorpene submarines (AIP upgrades planned)

• 13 guided-missile destroyers (Kolkata & Visakhapatnam class)

• 14–17 frigates, large corvette fleet

• P-8I maritime patrol aircraft and MH-60R helicopters for anti-submarine warfare

Upcoming additions include Project 75I AIP submarines and India’s indigenous nuclear attack submarine programme.

The Balance of Power

Experts note that Pakistan’s new submarines will complicate India’s operations close to Pakistan’s coast. But the broader picture remains unchanged:

• India’s navy is 4–5 times larger

• India operates across the entire Indian Ocean Region, not just nearshore

• India has decisive advantages in submarines, surface firepower, and naval aviation

In open waters, India’s dominance remains uncontested.