Pakistan is reportedly considering deploying its newly inducted Hangor class submarines to the Bay of Bengal, a move that could expand its naval operations beyond the Arabian Sea and draw increased attention from regional security analysts.
The reports come after Pakistan inducted PNS Hangor, the first of eight advanced Hangor class diesel electric attack submarines being acquired under a defence cooperation programme with China. The submarine has recently joined the Pakistan Navy and is expected to strengthen the country’s underwater warfare capabilities.
According to recent reports, Pakistani naval officials have indicated that the Hangor class fleet could eventually operate in the Bay of Bengal, reflecting Islamabad’s intention to broaden its maritime reach. However, there has been no official confirmation that a Hangor class submarine has already been deployed to the Bay of Bengal.
The Hangor class submarines are based on China’s Type 039A design and feature Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods. They are also equipped with advanced sonar systems, torpedoes, anti ship missiles and enhanced stealth capabilities.
Defence experts say any future Pakistani submarine presence in the Bay of Bengal would be strategically significant because the region is vital to international shipping and regional security. The reported plans are also seen as reflecting the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and China, particularly in naval modernization.
Security analysts note that India, which maintains a strong naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region, is expected to closely monitor any future Pakistani submarine operations in the Bay of Bengal. While New Delhi has not officially commented on the reports, such a development would likely attract increased attention from regional maritime forces.
Experts caution that the reported Bay of Bengal deployment remains a proposed future plan rather than a confirmed operational mission. They say any actual deployment would depend on Pakistan’s operational requirements and broader regional security conditions.
The development highlights the increasing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean Region, where countries continue to strengthen their naval capabilities amid evolving geopolitical and maritime security challenges.
