By Tanmay 
Pakistan Submarine in Bay of Bengal marks a significant escalation in regional naval posturing as Islamabad, with strong support from Beijing, seeks to expand its maritime reach far beyond traditional waters.
New Delhi, June 19, 2026 – The Pakistan Navy is planning to deploy its first China-built Hangor-class submarine in the Bay of Bengal, a region where it has maintained minimal naval presence since the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
According to senior Pakistan Navy officials, the induction of the advanced diesel-electric submarine will enable the country to extend its operational reach into the Bay of Bengal and maintain a presence there.
Recent Developments
The first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, was commissioned in China on April 30, 2026, and arrived in Karachi on June 11, 2026. Commodore Omer Farooq, who commanded the escort flotilla, stated during a stop in Colombo that the new submarine class would give Pakistan the capability to operate in the Bay of Bengal.
Pakistan plans to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines — four built in China and four under technology transfer in Pakistan — gradually replacing its older Agosta-class vessels.
Historical Context
The name Hangor holds significance in Pakistan Navy history. During the 1971 war, the original PNS Hangor sank the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri. However, Pakistan suffered a major defeat in the conflict, which led to the independence of Bangladesh and severely limited its naval operations in the eastern waters.
Since then, Pakistan Navy operations have largely remained confined to the northern Arabian Sea.
Strategic Significance
The Bay of Bengal is a key maritime region bordered by India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. It holds strategic importance for trade routes, energy shipments, and regional security.
For India, the bay is a critical area under the Eastern Naval Command headquartered in Visakhapatnam, with proximity to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands playing a vital role in maritime strategy.
Under international maritime law, foreign naval vessels are permitted to operate in international waters and within the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of coastal states subject to relevant regulations.
Improving Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties
The move coincides with warming diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh following the change in government in Dhaka. Direct flights between the two countries have resumed, and high-level meetings have taken place between Pakistani leaders and Bangladesh’s interim government chief Muhammad Yunus.
Analysts are watching whether these improved ties could influence future naval dynamics in the region.
India’s Position
Indian officials and defense experts are closely monitoring Pakistan’s naval modernization program, which is supported by China. The Indian Navy maintains a strong presence in the Bay of Bengal and continues to enhance its underwater and surface capabilities as part of broader Indo-Pacific strategy.
This development is seen as part of growing naval competition in the Indian Ocean Region.
তন্ময় ‘প্রাইমইনসাইট’ (PrimeInsight)-এর প্রতিষ্ঠাতা ও প্রধান লেখক। কলকাতা-ভিত্তিক একজন উৎসাহী ব্লগার ও স্বতন্ত্র ভাষ্যকার হিসেবে তিনি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ বিষয়গুলোর ওপর তীক্ষ্ণ ও বাস্তবসম্মত দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি তুলে ধরেন।
সঙ্গীত, সমসাময়িক ঘটনাপ্রবাহ এবং রাজনীতি—এই ক্ষেত্রগুলোতে গভীর জ্ঞানের অধিকারী ইন্দ্রজিৎ তাঁর লেখায় সাংস্কৃতিক উপলব্ধির সাথে রাজনৈতিক বিশ্লেষণের সমন্বয় ঘটান। জাতীয় ও বৈশ্বিক ঘটনাবলির সাথে সংযোগ বজায় রাখার পাশাপাশি তাঁর লেখায় কলকাতার বৌদ্ধিক ও শৈল্পিক সত্তার প্রতিফলনও ফুটে ওঠে।