China Launches Pakistan’s Newest Attack Sub PNS Mangro
Pakistan’s Navy has marked a significant milestone with the launch of PNS Mangro. The ceremony took place at the Wuchang Shipbuilding yard in Wuhan, China on 15 August with senior officers from Pakistan and China attending the ceremony. They also emphasized the strong defense partnership between the two nations. PNS Mangro is the third Hangor-class attack submarine, the class is an export derivative of the Chinese Type 039A boats.
The Hangor-class submarines were ordered under a landmark 2015 agreement with China. In that deal, Pakistan contracted China Shipbuilding & Offshore International (CSOC) to supply eight submarines. Four are being built at the Wuchang Shipyard in China and four more will be assembled at Karachi Shipyard under a technology-transfer program. The Hangor is outfitted with advanced sensors and a Stirling-type Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. This AIP feature enables the submarine to stay submerged for significantly longer periods without surfacing. Each Hangor sub is about 76 meters long and displaces roughly 2,800 tonnes – significantly larger than Pakistan’s older French-built Agosta boats.
The PNS Mangro and its sister ships carry modern weapons to match their size. Each submarine has six 533mm torpedo tubes that can launch heavyweight torpedoes or the Babur-3 sea-launched cruise missile. The Hangor design features “excellent stealth characteristics” and a robust sonar system. PNS Mangro can patrol the Arabian Sea quietly, tracking targets and avoiding detection.
For the Pakistan Navy, the Hangor program is a game-changer. Until now Pakistan’s submarine force relied on aging Agosta-class boats (which have previously been upgraded by Turkey). The new Hangor subs will dramatically expand its undersea fleet. In fact, Pakistan’s naval leadership says the Hangor project will “significantly contribute” to the navy’s long-term modernization. Once all eight of the planned submarines are delivered, the Hangor class will become the core of Pakistan’s modern submarine fleet. Fielding eight AIP submarines will strengthen Pakistan’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilties in the Arabian Sea. It will give Pakistan much greater ability to deter or counter any hostile naval moves, including balancing India’s growing submarine fleet.
The launch of PNS Mangro clearly demonstrates the Pakistan Navy’s growing capabilities. Pakistani officials also note the new subs will help secure the country’s sea lanes and economic interests – for example, protecting key ports like Gwadar. It demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to building a modern and strong navy.