ISLAMABAD: Amid evolving maritime threats in the Indian Ocean region,Pakistan’s naval strategy emphasizes anti-access and area denial (A2/AD)operations rather than pursuing high-cost capital ships such as aircraftcarriers or nuclear-powered submarines. Defense analysts and officialassessments indicate that the Pakistan Navy will not acquire such platformsin the coming decade, prioritizing instead a fleet optimized for regionaldeterrence, coastal defense, and credible second-strike options throughconventional but advanced underwater assets.
Pakistan’s current naval doctrine centers on denying adversaries freedom ofmaneuver in near waters while protecting vital sea lines of communication.This approach stems from resource constraints and the asymmetric nature ofpotential conflicts, particularly with a larger neighboring navy. The A2/ADstrategy integrates submarines, missile-equipped surface vessels, andshore-based systems to create layered defenses in the Arabian Sea,effectively countering attempts at blockade or deep incursions.
A key pillar of this doctrine is the expansion of the submarine force. Theongoing Hangor-class program, based on China’s advanced Type 039A/B Yuandesign with air-independent propulsion (AIP), represents a major leap.Eight vessels are planned, with four built in China and four assembledlocally at Karachi Shipyard under technology transfer. Recent launches in2025, including the fourth hull named Ghazi, mark steady progress, thoughdeliveries have faced delays from initial timelines.
By the end of the decade, the fleet is expected to incorporate up to 12-15AIP-equipped submarines, significantly enhancing stealth and endurance.Currently, the navy operates three Agosta-90B submarines with AIP upgradesand two older Agosta-70 vessels. The Hangor class promises superiorsensors, torpedoes, and anti-ship missile capabilities, including potentialintegration of Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missiles for extendedreach.
Surface combatants complement this underwater emphasis. The navy hasinducted four Type 054A/P frigates (Tughril class) from China, featuringvertical launch systems, advanced anti-air and anti-submarine warfaresuites, and supersonic anti-ship missiles. These multi-role platformsbolster area defense and escort duties. Plans include around eightnext-generation frigates and eight missile-armed fast attack craft (FAC-M)to replace aging hulls and expand littoral presence.
Proposals for destroyers, potentially Type 052D variants, remain underdiscussion, with expectations of four such vessels to provide enhancedfirepower and command capabilities. However, ambitions for larger platformslike aircraft carriers have been consistently dismissed. Historicalconsiderations in the early 2000s and recent statements confirm noaspiration for carrier aviation, given the high operational costs andvulnerability in contested waters.
Nuclear-powered submarines are similarly absent from plans. While Pakistanmaintains a credible nuclear deterrent, including sea-based elements viacruise missiles from conventional submarines, no evidence supportsacquisition of nuclear propulsion. Such vessels demand immenseinfrastructure, funding, and expertise that align poorly with defensivepriorities.
This focus yields cost-effective deterrence. AIP submarines offer prolongedsubmerged operations at lower expense than nuclear alternatives, whilemodern frigates and FACs provide versatile responses to diverse threatslike piracy, smuggling, and hybrid warfare. The strategy also leveragespartnerships, particularly with China, for technology and affordability.
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Regional dynamics drive these choices. With a neighbor expanding carrierand nuclear submarine forces, Pakistan counters through asymmetricadvantages in undersea denial and missile strike. This ensuressurvivability of second-strike assets without matching blue-water ambitions.
Experts note that by 2030, a balanced fleet of advanced submarines andsurface ships could narrow capability gaps in the Arabian Sea. Sustainedinvestment in local shipbuilding and training will further strengthenself-reliance.The Pakistan Navy’s path reflects pragmatic adaptation to strategicrealities, favoring lethality and stealth over symbolic power projection.
Source:https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/12/pakistan-navy-launches-4th-hangor-class-submarine-ghazi-in-china/
Tags: Pakistan Navy, Hangor Class, Type 054A, Arabian Sea
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