ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: China launches the first of eight Hangor-class submarines built to provide all-weather ally Pakistan with state-of-the-art warships, expanding bilateral military Added a new dimension to cooperation.
The launch ceremony held at Shuangliu Base of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) on Friday was attended by Admiral Naveed Ashraf of Pakistan Navy. geography news report.
The development comes as part of an agreement between Islamabad and China, under which the latter agreed to provide the former with eight state-of-the-art submarines.
Of the total eight vessels, four will be built by WSIG and the remaining four will be built by KS&EW (Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement.
With advanced stealth capabilities, submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to operate in multiple threat environments and can attack targets at great distances.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Ashraf emphasized the importance of maritime security in the current strategic and geographical environment and the Navy’s determination to ensure peace and stability in the region.
The Navy chief also emphasized that the Hangor-class S/M project “adds a new dimension to the all-weather Pak-China friendship and demonstrates the strong military cooperation between the two countries.”
Friday’s launching ceremony comes after Pakistan began manufacturing the sixth Hangor-class submarine by KS&EW in February this year.
Pakistan enjoys close military ties with China, and the bilateral relationship allows Islamabad to import a variety of weapons from Beijing.
Last year, Pakistan Navy built two new Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates.
The two countries signed a contract for four multipurpose frigates in 2018. The first and second ships, PNS TUGHRIL and PNS TAIMUR, joined the PN fleet in 2022.
(issued April 27, 2024, 09:16 IST)
