The first Hangor class submarine was launched Pakistan on April 26 at a Wuhan shipyard. This was the first of eight submarines of this class that the Pakistan Navy is set to induct into its fleet by 2028.
Key points
- The Hangor-class is an export variant of the Chinese Type 039A Yuan class. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine.
- It is named after the now decommissioned PNS Hangor, which famously sank Indian frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 war.
- Pakistan’s Hangor class is the direct counterpart of India’s Kalavari class of submarines, based on the French Scorpene-class. India currently operates six Kalavari class submarines, with three more set to be inducted into service by the early 2030s.
Diesel-electric vs Nuclear powered submarine
- Diesel-electric submarines use electric motors charged by diesel engines to move. These engines require air and fuel to operate, which means they need to resurface more frequently, making them easier to detect.
- When running on electric mode, these submarines are much quieter than when the diesel engines are running.
- Most submarines today are conventionally powered (diesel-electric) and tend to be smaller and cheaper to maintain.
- Nuclear-powered submarines run off of steam generated by an onboard nuclear reactor that turns the turbines. Having a source of power that runs for so long means that they can remain submerged for years – effectively limited only by the food and water needs of their crews – limiting their detection.
- Nuclear-powered submarines tend to be larger but require more expensive infrastructure and maintenance.
- A submarine’s main capability is stealth: A clandestine weapon, it carries few defensive measures on board, instead relying on concealment for safety. Because of this, a submarine is most vulnerable when snorkeling. Diesel-electric submarines snorkel frequently. Because nuclear propulsion is independent of air, nuclear submarines have no need to snorkel; when operating on station, they can maintain maximum stealth by staying completely submerged.
- Because nuclear propulsion is independent of air, nuclear submarines have no need to snorkel; when operating on station, they can maintain maximum stealth by staying completely submerged.
- The nuclear reactor on board a submarine allows it to operate at high speed for long periods of time with unlimited range. In comparison, diesel submarines operate using electric batteries and can only remain submerged for a few days at slow speed, or a few hours at top speed.
- Speed is a significant tactical factor, as it determines maneuverability and the ability to quickly change depth with flow over the hydroplanes. Nuclear power provides attack submarines with a sustained submerged speed of more than 30 knots, considerably greater than any contemporary diesel submarine.
