On March 13, China marked a significant milestone in its defense collaboration with Pakistan by launching the Shushuk, the second Hangor-class diesel-electric submarine, at the Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan. This vessel, an enhanced iteration of the Chinese Type 039B submarine, was handed over to the Pakistan Navy as part of a broader strategic partnership.

The Shushuk is one of eight submarines being supplied under a $5 billion agreement signed between China and Pakistan in 2016. This contract stipulates that four submarines will be constructed at the Wuchang Shipyard in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan. The Type 039B, on which the Hangor-class is based, is a diesel-electric submarine known for its stealth and versatility. It operates using diesel engines on the surface and electric motors when submerged, offering a quieter profile underwater—a key advantage in naval operations.

The launch of the Shushuk is a sign of the deepening ties between China and Pakistan, with the deal facilitating not only the acquisition of advanced naval assets but also a transfer of technology. By building half of the submarines domestically, Pakistan aims to bolster its defense manufacturing capabilities, enhancing its naval strength and self-reliance. The Hangor-class name pays homage to the PNS Hangor, a Pakistani submarine celebrated for its role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, adding historical resonance to this modern fleet expansion.

This development is meant to strengthen Pakistan’s naval presence in the region with implications for maritime security dynamics in the Arabian Sea and beyond.