An underwater milestone
Pakistan has just commissioned the first of eight Hangor-class submarines, built with Chinese technology. The ceremony was in Sanya, and it was no small event: President Asif Ali Zardari called it a “historic milestone.”
But what is behind the speech? These ships are not just anything. They are based on the Chinese Type 039A design, with capacity for 38 crew members and armed to the teeth: torpedoes, anti-ship missiles. And the key: air-independent propulsion systems, which allow them to remain submerged for much longer without coming to the surface.
“This addition strengthens Pakistan’s ability to protect its sovereignty, maritime interests and strategic trade routes,” Zardari said.
Alliance that does not sink
The agreement is not just about buying ships. Part of the fleet will be built in China and another in Karachi shipyards. That is, technology transfer and industrial cooperation. The head of the Pakistani Navy, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, highlighted that this improves “regional stability” and the protection of routes in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.
But let’s be honest: this is a direct message to India, its historical rival. The name of the submarine, Hangor, is no coincidence: it recalls the one that sank an Indian warship in 1971. Memory hurts, and here it is used as a symbol.
What does it mean for the region?
Pakistan strengthens its alliance with China at a time when the Indian Ocean is a board of tensions. Beyond national pride, there are families, trade routes, and a balance that moves slowly but surely. And as always, those who pay are those below.




