China has officially delivered to Pakistan the second Hangor-class submarine, built by the Chinese company Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group in Wuhan. The handover ceremony was held at the Shuangliu Naval Base and the submarine was officially named PNS/M SHUSHUK. This is part of a 2015 agreement, where Pakistan will receive a total of eight Hangor submarines, four built in China and four to be manufactured in Pakistan, under a technology transfer program.
PNS/M SHUSHUK is a modern diesel-electric submarine, 76 meters long and weighing about 2,800 tons. It can carry 38 crew members and is equipped with six torpedo launchers and long-range missiles. It is believed that it can also carry Babur 3 strategic missiles, significantly increasing the strike power of the Pakistani Navy, writes A2 CNN.
Pakistan has embarked on a dual modernization of its naval fleet: refurbishing some of France's newest Agosta-class submarines with the help of Turkish companies, and purchasing new models from China. The move signals deepening military cooperation between China and Pakistan, including the joint production of JF-17 fighter jets and joint military exercises.
This cooperation is seen as a challenge to Western influence in the region, especially after the US decision in 2018 to suspend military aid to Pakistan. This has created a space that China is strategically exploiting to strengthen its presence in South Asia. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
