China launches first Hangar 8 class submarine for Pakistan

China has launched the first of eight Hangar class submarines to help Pakistan provide state-of-the-art warships, adding a new dimension to their growing bilateral military cooperation.

The launch ceremony on Friday took place at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) Shuangliu Base. also participated in Pakistan According to Geo News report, Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

This development happened after the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing. The agreement read that the latter had agreed to provide eight state-of-the-art advanced submarines to the former.

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Of the total eight ships, four are to be constructed by WSIG, while the remaining four are being constructed at KS&EW (Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works) under a Transfer of Technology (TOT) agreement.

The submarines with advanced stealth features are to be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors to operate in multi-threat environments and attack targets at stand-off ranges.

Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Ashraf stressed the importance of maritime security under the current geo-strategic environment and the Navy’s resolve to ensure regional peace and stability.

The Navy chief also stressed that the Hangar-class S/M project “will add a new dimension to the evergreen Pak-China friendship and reflects the strong military cooperation between the two countries”.

Friday’s launch ceremony comes after Pakistan began construction of the sixth Hangar-class submarine by KS&EW in February earlier this year.

Pakistan also has close military ties with China as they provide Islamabad with arms imports from Beijing.

Last year, the Pakistan Navy inducted two newly built Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates. The two countries had signed a contract for four multi-role warships in 2018. The first and second ships PNS Tugril and PNS Taimur join the PN fleet in 2022.

(With PTI inputs)