China launches first Hangar-class 8 submarine built for Pakistan to boost ties

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Islamabad/Beijing: China has launched the first of eight Hangar class submarines to provide state-of-the-art warships to its all-weather ally Pakistan, adding a new dimension to their growing bilateral military cooperation.

Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the launch ceremony held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) Shuangliu Base on Friday, Geo News reported.

This development comes as part of the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing under which Islamabad had agreed to provide eight state-of-the-art advanced submarines.

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 has close military ties with China and their bilateral relations provide for the import of various weapons by Islamabad 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.

(This report has been published as part of an auto-generated syndicated wire feed. Apart from the headline, there have been no edits to the copy by ABP Live.)