Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/pakistan-hangor-class-submarines-9297350/

Why in the news?

• The inaugural Hangor class submarine, constructed by China for Pakistan, was unveiled on April 26th at a shipyard in Wuhan.
• This marks the initiation of a series of eight submarines belonging to this class that Pakistan intends to integrate into its naval fleet by the year 2028.

Basic Characteristics

• The Hangor-class submarine is an export version derived from the Chinese Type 039A Yuan class.
• It serves as a diesel-electric attack submarine, named after the decommissioned PNS Hangor. PNS Hangor is renowned for sinking the Indian frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 war.
• “Diesel-electric” propulsion means the submarine uses diesel engines when surfaced or snorkelling for air, while a battery, charged by the diesel engine, powers it when submerged.
• The Hangor-class incorporates four diesel engines for propulsion.
• Additionally, it features an air independent propulsion (AIP) system, significantly extending its underwater endurance.
• As an attack submarine, its primary role is to engage and destroy other submarines or surface vessels using torpedoes and, in modern times, cruise missiles.
• It is equipped with six 21-inch torpedo tubes and has the capability to launch anti-ship missiles.
• Notably, it can deploy the Babur-3 subsonic cruise missile with a range of 450 km.

Comparison with India’s Kalvari class

Origin	Developed as an export variant of Chinese Type 039A Yuan class.	Developed indigenously by India.
Name Origin	Named after the PNS Hangor, a submarine of the Pakistan Navy.	Named after a tiger shark.
Propulsion	Diesel-electric with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.	Diesel-electric with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.
Torpedo Tubes	Equipped with six 21-inch torpedo tubes.	Equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes.
Cruise Missile Capable	Capable of launching the Babur-3 subsonic cruise missile with a range of 450 km.	Capable of carrying and launching BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
Submarine Type	Attack submarine designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.	Attack submarine designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
Operational Range	Operational range not disclosed.	Operational range not disclosed.
Length	Length not disclosed.	Approximately 67.5 metres (Kalvari-class).
Displacement	Displacement not disclosed.	Approximately 1,800 tons (Kalvari-class).
Crew	Crew size not disclosed.	Approximately 35 (Kalvari-class).
Sonar Systems	Specific sonar systems not disclosed.	Equipped with Ushus sonar systems.
Stealth Features	Features for stealth not disclosed.	Incorporates advanced stealth technologies.