Archive · 18 Nov 2025
Pakistan's New Submarines Challenge India's Naval Dominance
Pakistan is getting new submarines from China that can stay underwater longer.
This might make it harder for India to stay the strongest navy in the area.
India is trying to build more submarines too, but it's taking a long time.
Both countries want to have strong navies to protect themselves and control important waters.
Pakistan to acquire 8 advanced Hangor-class submarines from China
Submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology for longer underwater duration
Potential integration with nuclear-capable cruise missiles, bolstering Pakistan's nuclear triad
India's naval modernization plans face delays, with only 19 operational submarines, many aging
India aims to expand naval fleet to 200 warships and submarines by 2030, but faces challenges in indigenization and import dependency
- Who
- Pakistan, China, India
- What
- Pakistan acquiring advanced submarines from China, India's naval modernization plans
- When
- Pakistan's submarine acquisition ongoing, India's Project 75-I delayed
- Where
- Northern Indian Ocean
- Why
- To maintain or challenge naval superiority, protect national interests, and control strategic waters
India's Perspective
Pakistan's Perspective
Naval Superiority
India's Perspective
India seeks to maintain its naval dominance in the Northern Indian Ocean
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan aims to challenge India's primacy and augment its naval capacity
Submarine Capabilities
India's Perspective
India's submarines face delays and aging issues
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan's new submarines enhance its underwater combat capabilities and deterrence
Nuclear Triad
India's Perspective
India has a well-established nuclear triad
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan seeks to strengthen its nuclear triad with submarine-launched cruise missiles
- Submarine Type
- Hangor-class (Type 039A Yuan-class)
- Pakistan's Submarine Fleet
- 19 operational submarines (16 diesel, 3 nuclear)
- India's Submarine Fleet
- 19 operational submarines (16 diesel, 3 nuclear)
- India's Naval Expansion Target
- 200 warships and submarines by 2030