Pakistan Commissions First of Eight Chinese-Built Submarines

Pakistan has commissioned the first of eight advanced Chinese submarines, marking a step in strengthening its maritime capabilities and defense cooperation with China. The commissioning ceremony for the attack submarine was held in the Chinese city of Sanya on April 30.

Pakistani officials and senior Chinese military officials attended the event at a major submarine base of the People’s Liberation Army, according to a Pakistani statement. The diesel-electric submarine is an export variant of China’s 039A Yuan-class submarines.

It has a displacement of approximately 2,800 tons and is equipped with advanced sensors, torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles capable of striking surface warships, submarines and land-based facilities. The vessels use Air-Independent Propulsion technology.

This allows the submarines to remain underwater significantly longer without surfacing. The deal for the eight submarines was signed in 2015 and is estimated at $5 billion. Four boats are being built in China and the remaining four will be built in Pakistan under a technology-transfer agreement.

All four Chinese-built boats are scheduled to be inducted by 2028.

Pakistan previously operated a fleet of eight submarines, including three mini submarines. The new vessels are intended to enhance the Pakistan navy’s undersea warfare capability. China’s defense supplies have played a role in Pakistan’s military modernization.

The two countries maintain a close partnership. The commissioning represents one element of ongoing bilateral defense cooperation between Pakistan and China.