With its significant reliance on Chinese-built warships and submarines exposing serious weaknesses in both operational performance and strategic autonomy, Pakistan’s ambitious effort to modernize its navy has grown increasingly concerning.
Even with a startling 20% rise in defense budget for 2025–2026—a remarkable step given the ongoing economic unrest and record-high inflation—Islamabad’s multibillion-dollar investments in Chinese naval weapons have continuously fallen short of the expected combat readiness or dependability.
High-profile agreements with China, particularly the $5 billion Hangor-class submarine program and the purchase of Type 054A/P frigates, are at the core of these procurement issues. The Hangor project, which aims to improve Pakistan’s undersea combat capabilities, has been beset by recurring setbacks, technical issues, and ongoing concerns about its operational effectiveness.
Due to major delays, the first four submarines—which were originally supposed to be delivered by 2023—have been delayed well into the future, leaving the navy’s strategic stance uncertain.
High-profile agreements with China, particularly the $5 billion Hangor-class submarine program and the purchase of Type 054A/P frigates, are at the core of these procurement issues. The Hangor project, which aims to improve Pakistan’s undersea combat capabilities, has been beset by recurring setbacks, technical issues, and ongoing concerns about its operational effectiveness.
Due to major delays, the first four submarines—which were originally supposed to be delivered by 2023—have been delayed well into the future, leaving the navy’s strategic stance uncertain.
Chinese manufacturers’ slow maintenance and poor after-sales assistance have thwarted efforts to address these problems, frequently leaving the Pakistan Navy with partially functional warships.
Pakistan is not the only country with this underperformance trend. Chinese naval exports have caused similar annoyances for other regional fleets, such as that of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, ranging from antiquated technology to ongoing maintenance issues.
When Germany declined to provide vital engines, even Thailand’s planned purchase of a Yuan-class submarine fell through, revealing China’s own reliance on foreign technology for essential parts.
This buying strategy has significant strategic risks. China now provides more than 80% of Pakistan’s military imports, resulting in a risky reliance that compromises operational independence and leaves the navy vulnerable to possible paralysis in emergency scenarios. Defense analysts caution that these expensive acquisitions are quickly turning into liabilities—expensive assets that appear good on paper but fall short when it counts most—rather than improving maritime security.
When Germany declined to provide vital engines, even Thailand’s planned purchase of a Yuan-class submarine fell through, revealing China’s own reliance on foreign technology for essential parts.
This buying strategy has significant strategic risks. China now provides more than 80% of Pakistan’s military imports, resulting in a risky reliance that compromises operational independence and leaves the navy vulnerable to possible paralysis in emergency scenarios. Defense analysts caution that these expensive acquisitions are quickly turning into liabilities—expensive assets that appear good on paper but fall short when it counts most—rather than improving maritime security.
The risks of relying too much on foreign allies whose support may fluctuate with shifting geopolitical winds are highlighted by historical precedents, such as China’s lack of assistance during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971.
Pakistan’s continued reliance on dubious Chinese naval hardware is not just a financial blunder; rather, it is a strategic blunder that could erode the nation’s maritime security and make it more exposed in an area where naval might is crucial.
Islamabad runs the risk of making its navy an expensive mirage that is unable to protect national interests or promote regional stability unless it immediately rethinks its procurement policy and lessens its reliance on dubious Chinese equipment.
