Silent, unseen, and decisive, submarines often shape naval balance long before they are ever detected.

In Pakistan’s case, the Hangor-class submarine programme represents such a quiet but consequential shiftone that is redefining the country’s maritime deterrence at a time of intensifying regional competition. As new submarines begin to take shape and enter the water, the programme signals Pakistan Navy’s determination to remain a credible undersea force in the Indian Ocean region.

Pakistan has historically placed strong emphasis on submarine warfare as a core element of its naval doctrine. From the early acquisition of Daphne-class submarines to the later induction of the Agosta-70 and Agosta-90B (Khalid-class), submarines have provided Pakistan with a survivable and effective means of sea denial. The legacy Hangor submarine of 1971 also remains deeply embedded in naval history, symbolising the strategic value of undersea platforms.

However, by the last decade, the operational limitations of an ageing fleet became increasingly apparent. Maintenance demands rose, operational availability declined, and technological gaps widened as neighbouring navies accelerated their modernisation efforts. In parallel, advances in surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime intelligence made stealth, endurance, and automation indispensable. These factors collectively underscored the need for a new generation of submarines........

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