Karachi: The President of the United Business Group (UBG), Zubair Tufail, announced that the recent submarine agreement between China and Pakistan is set to significantly bolster Pakistan’s naval defense capabilities. Under this agreement, China will supply eight state-of-the-art submarines to Pakistan, with half of these vessels to be constructed at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works under a technology transfer arrangement.

Tufail outlined that the submarines will be outfitted with advanced weapons and sensors, enhancing Pakistan's prowess in underwater warfare. He emphasized the strategic importance of these submarines in maintaining regional power balance and contributing to peace and stability. The launch of the fourth Hangor-class submarine, Ghazi, in Wuhan was mentioned as a recent achievement in this ongoing collaboration.

The submarines, according to Tufail, will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling them to engage distant targets. The $5 billion defense agreement will see the first Hangor-class submarine join the Pakistan Navy next year, with project completion anticipated by 2028. These submarines are expected to improve surveillance operations in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Tufail congratulated Pakistan’s military leadership for their focus on modern warfare needs, including artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare technologies. He underscored the potential benefits of enhanced cooperation with China in these advanced technologies.