Germany’s refusal to export the MTU 396 submarine engine to China and Pakistan could impede the development of Hangor submarines, potentially disrupting the timeline of the submarine deal. China has commenced the launch of the first of eight submarines for Pakistan, with the initial four to be constructed in China and the remaining in Karachi.
The uncertainty surrounding the engine has already caused delays; the delivery of the first submarine was scheduled for 2023. Although China proposed the CHD620 engine for the Hangor II, there is no official confirmation from either China or Pakistan.
Aaron Amick, a former U.S. Navy submariner and operator of Sub Brief, highlighted concerns about the Chinese engine, describing it as a replica of the German MTU 396 but with inferior materials and assembly standards, leading to operational issues after a short period.
Pakistani naval authorities previously asserted that the Hangor submarines are tailored for Pakistan, featuring a Stirling air-independent propulsion system for extended underwater endurance, along with indigenous combat management systems, sonar, and armaments.
Germany’s reluctance to grant export licenses for its engines also affected Thailand’s order of the S-26T submarine, a Thai variant of the Chinese Type 039B, resulting in the deal’s collapse. However, clearance status for Pakistan remains unconfirmed by both Germany and Pakistan.
Despite the engine controversy, Pakistan’s naval chief, Adm. Naveed Ashraf, attended the recent launch ceremony, expressing satisfaction with the project’s progress.
The Hangor II submarines represent a significant enhancement in Pakistan’s naval capabilities, alongside the acquisition of four Chinese-built Type 054A/P frigates. According to Tom Waldwyn, a naval analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the addition of eight Hangor-class submarines, based on China’s Type 039A/B Yuan-class, will significantly strengthen Pakistan’s fleet, especially if equipped with long-range cruise missiles.
Waldwyn also emphasized the potential strategic significance of Pakistan’s reported testing of sub-launched, nuclear-capable cruise missiles, such as the Babur-3 SLCM with a range of 450 kilometers. This capability addresses Islamabad’s concerns regarding India’s Arihant-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
Indian media speculates that the Hangor-class submarines could indeed be armed with the Babur-3 SLCM, potentially providing Pakistan with a limited second-strike or deep-strike capability.
May 1, 2024
Source: Defense News , Business Standard