Pakistan Navy Surpasses India in AIP Submarine Technology
Pakistan’s navy has made a significant leap ahead of India in the realm of Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, marking a pivotal moment in naval advancements. The Pakistan Navy has not only adopted AIP technology but also surpassed its Indian counterpart, with the upcoming addition of Chinese-built Hangor-class submarines to its fleet, expected to be operational in the early 2030s.
### Advancements in Naval Technology
India, while recently introducing the final submarine in the P-75 Scorpene project, a stealth frigate, and a guided missile destroyer, still lags behind Pakistan’s current capabilities in submarine technology. Notably, India’s naval fleet lacks submarines equipped with modern AIP technology, unlike Pakistan, which has already integrated three advanced French-made Agosta-90B submarines (PNS Khalid, Saad, and Hamza) into its fleet.
### Future Naval Additions
The Hangor-class submarines, crafted in China, are anticipated to bolster Pakistan’s naval strength significantly, elevating its underwater capabilities. With plans to expand its naval fleet to 50 warships, including 20 major vessels, frigates, and corvettes, Pakistan is on a trajectory towards enhancing its maritime prowess. The addition of 11 AIP-equipped submarines, including the Hangor-class vessels, is poised to further solidify Pakistan’s standing in naval operations.
### Insight from Admiral Naveed Ashraf
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Pakistan Navy, expressed optimism about the ongoing construction of the four Hangor-class submarines, emphasizing the transformative impact these vessels will have on Pakistan’s naval capabilities. He underscored the significance of these submarines in enabling the navy to execute a diverse range of operations with potent weaponry, highlighting the strategic importance of this development.
Admiral Ashraf’s comments to Chinese media shed light on the progress of the submarine construction, assuring that the project is advancing according to schedule. He exuded confidence in the timely integration of the submarines into the Pakistan Navy’s fleet, signaling a new era of enhanced naval strength for the country.
As we witness Pakistan’s ascendancy in AIP submarine technology, it becomes evident that the naval landscape in the region is undergoing a transformative shift. With strategic investments and technological advancements, Pakistan is poised to assert its maritime dominance, setting the stage for a new chapter in naval capabilities and operations.
