China has transferred the third Hangor-class submarine to Pakistan, as part of the ongoing supply of eight advanced submarines. This move is designed to enhance Islamabad’s naval strength and support its expanding presence in the Indian Ocean, a strategy that has implications for regional power dynamics. The launch ceremony for the latest submarine took place in Wuhan, China, according to the Global Times.
This transfer builds upon the delivery of the second submarine in March, and follows the provision of four modern naval combat vessels by China. This support of Pakistan’s naval capabilities is occurring alongside the expansion of the Chinese navy in the Arabian Sea, particularly in the development of the Gwadar port in Balochistan and within the Indian Ocean.