Pakistan plans to deploy submarines in the Bay of Bengal

Pakistan Navy expects to establish a sustained presence in the Bay of Bengal following the induction of its newly commissioned submarine, PNS Hangor, a senior naval officer said during during maiden voyage home break at Colombo Port.

In an interview with The Morning, Commodore Omer Farooq, commander of the flotilla escorting the submarine to its home port, described the Chinese-built vessel as a “game changer” for Pakistan’s naval capabilities.

He said the Hangor’s advanced range and endurance would enable the navy to extend its operational reach into the Bay of Bengal.

Equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, the submarine can remain submerged for weeks without surfacing, significantly enhancing its stealth and survivability. Pakistan plans to acquire a total of eight submarines in the Hangor class.

The remarks come amid growing defence ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and heightened strategic competition in the Indian Ocean Region, where several navies are expanding capabilities and India continues to strengthen its security presence in the Bay of Bengal.

Pakistani and Sri Lankan officials also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation and naval diplomacy.