Aware of China supplying submarines to Pakistan; Indian Navy fully prepared: Vice-Chief

The Indian Navy confirmed Thursday it is closely tracking China's accelerated delivery of advanced submarines to Pakistan under a $5 billion agreement, as Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan assured the nation is "fully prepared" to counter the expanding underwater threat in the Arabian Sea.

Vice Admiral Vatsayan, who assumed the role of Vice Chief of Naval Staff in August, stated India is continuously reviewing its anti-submarine warfare capabilities and force structure as Pakistan prepares to induct eight Hangor-class diesel-electric submarines by 2028. "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 said.

Pakistan-China Naval Deal

Pakistan's naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf recently told Chinese state media that the first Hangor-class submarine will enter active service in 2026, describing the progress as "a major milestone for naval collaboration between China and Pakistan". Under the 2015 agreement, four submarines are being built in China while four are assembled at Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer arrangement. Three submarines have already been launched, with the first rolled out in April 2024.

The Hangor-class, based on China's Type 039A Yuan-class design, features air-independent propulsion systems that enable submarines to remain submerged for two to three weeks, significantly enhancing stealth and combat capabilities. Pakistan has strengthened its naval posture since Operation Sindoor – India's May 2025 military strikes on alleged terror infrastructure – after questions emerged about the navy's readiness during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict.

India's Maritime Strategy

India currently operates three indigenously developed nuclear-powered submarines and multiple diesel-electric attack submarines built with France, Germany, and Russia. Vice Admiral Vatsayan confirmed new vessels are under construction and will be delivered within two years. "We know what capabilities we need in the area of anti-submarine warfare," he emphasized.

The Navy is bolstering its anti-submarine fleet with 16 specialized shallow-water craft, advanced P-8I Poseidon aircraft, and MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. However, India's Project 75I program to acquire six German-designed submarines equipped with air-independent propulsion remains under negotiation, with the first boat not expected before 2032 -- years after Pakistan completes its submarine induction.