 "A nuclear-powered Type 094A Jin-class ballistic missile submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy.")
The Indian Navy said on Thursday that it is closely monitoring China’s fast-tracked supply of sophisticated submarines to Pakistan, a move seen as Islamabad’s effort to challenge the regional maritime equilibrium.
The Navy’s vice chief Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan said it’s maintaining operational readiness. “We are aware that China is supplying submarines and ships to Pakistan. We are monitoring everything closely, and the Indian Navy is fully prepared,” he stated.
Under a $5 billion pact with China, Pakistan will induct eight Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines . Four are being built in China, and four assembled in Pakistan. The programme began in 2015, with the first sub launched in April 2024, two more this year, and full delivery scheduled by 2028.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s Naval Chief, recently told the Global Times that induction remains on track for 2026. He hailed the launch of the second and third boats as ‘a major milestone for naval collaboration between China and Pakistan.’
Since Operation Sindoor , Pakistan has been strengthening its naval capabilities, following internal concerns over its navy’s preparedness during heightened tensions with India in May. Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Vatsayan, who assumed office in August, indicated that India is adjusting its strategies to maintain an edge, with tactics, force structure, and capability requirements under constant evaluation.
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View All“[Pakistan’s] submarine induction will start very soon, but we are monitoring every situation and we are making all efforts to counter it and we know what capabilities we need in the area of anti-submarine warfare,” he said.
Currently, India has three domestically built nuclear-powered submarines and multiple diesel-electric attack subs created in partnership with France, Germany, and Russia. The Navy’s vice chief confirmed ongoing induction of modern vessels and, despite China commissioning its Fujian aircraft carrier, asserted India maintains a maritime edge.
“As far as China is concerned, their third aircraft carrier has arrived. However, our own ships which are under construction are being delivered in the next two years. We are fully confident the capabilities which will come in the next 5 to 7 years.”