A second Hangor Class submarine, PNS/M SHUSHUK (Desig) was launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base, Wuhan, China on March 15, 2025.
While information over the Hangor Class Submarine for the Pakistan Navy is scarce, however with addition of eight boats initially planned for 2028 but may extend to the next decade plus, accretion of anti access and area denial and sneak attack capabilities is expected to considerably enhance.
The Indian Navy would be possibly fielding at least six upgraded Scorpene and the first of the P 75 (I) TKMS based submarines with Air Independent Propulsion [AIP] by then.
How does the Hangor Class compare with the Scorpene class here is a brief overview from multiple open sources-
Feature | Hangor-Class Submarine | Scorpene-Class Submarine |
Displacement | 2,800 tons (submerged) | 1,565–1,900 tons (depending on variant) |
Length | 76 meters | 61.7–70.62 meters (depending on variant) |
Beam</b> | 8.4 meters | 6.2 meters |
Draft | 6.2 meters | 5.8 meters |
Propulsion | Diesel-electric with Stirling AIP system | Diesel-electric with MESMA or DRDO PAFC AIP system |
Speed | 20 knots (submerged) | 20 knots (submerged) |
Endurance | Extended with AIP | 50+ days with AIP |
Armament | 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes, Babur-3 cruise missiles, YJ-82 anti-ship missiles, Yu-6 torpedoes | 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes, SM-39 Exocet missiles, Black Shark torpedoes, and mines |
Test Depth | Not publicly disclosed | >350 meters |
Crew | Not publicly disclosed | 31 |
In general, naval experts believe that the Scorpene class submarines have and advantage in terms of stealth thus making these more difficult to detect in hostile waters. Stealth capabilities in submarines are a combination of design, technology, and operational strategies aimed at reducing detectability by enemy sonar and radar systems.
The retro fitted AIP based Scorpene will considerably enhance the underwater endurance of the Scorpene. In terms of armament, while the Hangor Class systems are based on possibilities, the Scorpene is capable of carrying out a variety of attacks increasing flexibility of employment.
The displacement of the Hangor class increase the weapons systems that can be carried as compared to the Scorpene.
How these inductions will alter the maritime security scenario in the Western Indian Ocean Region and the Arabian Sea remains to be seen?
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