News Brief
China and Pakistan flags
In a significant development highlighting their deepening military cooperation, China has launched the first of eight Hangor-class submarines for Pakistan.
The launch ceremony, held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group's Shuangliu Base, was attended by Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
Under an agreement between Islamabad and Beijing, China is providing Pakistan with eight advanced submarines, with four to be built by WSIG and the remaining four at KS&EW under a Transfer of Technology agreement.
These submarines boast advanced stealth features and state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, enabling them to operate in multi-threat environments and engage targets at stand-off ranges.
As reported by Moneycontrol, he highlighted the Hangor-class S/M Project as a testament to the enduring Pak-China friendship and strong military cooperation between the two nations.
The Navy chief also underscored that the Hangor-class S/M Project will "add a new dimension to the all-weather Pak-China friendship and shows strong military cooperation between two countries".
Pakistan's military ties with China have also seen various arms imports, including the induction of two Type 054 A/P frigates last year, with two more on the way from a 2018 contract.