Pakistan Navy Parks Agosta-90B Submarine Amidst Chinese Navy Warships in Karachi

In a significant display of camaraderie and collaboration between Pakistan and China, the Pakistan Navy recently positioned one of its Agosta-90B submarines amidst a gathering of Chinese Navy warships during a joint exercise in Karachi. The move underscores not only the strength of their defense ties but also their commitment to sharing knowledge and hardware in the realm of naval warfare. The joint exercise, titled 'Sea Guardian-2020,' held in January, brought Chinese Navy warships to Karachi, marking a notable event in the maritime partnership between the two nations. The presence of the Pakistani submarine during this exercise is confirmed through commercial satellite imagery. While not immediately discernible to the untrained eye, closer examination has established its identity as a Pakistani Agosta-90B type submarine, locally referred to as the Hashmat-class. This particular class of submarines is exclusively operated by the Pakistan Navy. Local media reported extensively on the joint exercise, detailing the participation of Pakistan Navy warships, equipment, and personnel, which included frigates, missile boats, anti-submarine patrol aircraft, helicopters, and special forces. However, curiously, the presence of the submarine was conspicuously omitted from these reports. The parking of the Pakistani submarine, not in its customary berths but within a restricted section of the commercial docks, is a significant development that cannot be dismissed as a mere coincidence. The Agosta-class submarines, of which Pakistan operates five, boast advanced features, including French-designed Air Independent Power (AIP) systems, modern combat systems, and AS-39 Exocet anti-ship missiles. Furthermore, they are reportedly the launch platform for Pakistan's indigenous Babur-3 nuclear-capable cruise missile. The positioning of the Agosta-90B submarine amidst the visiting Chinese warships implies an invitation for the Chinese Navy to explore its inner workings. Traditionally, the host nation provides guided tours to visiting naval personnel, offering insights into the capabilities of their naval assets. Pakistan's decision to showcase one of its most formidable weapons platforms demonstrates a high level of cooperation and openness. Looking ahead, Pakistan's submarine fleet will be augmented by eight Chinese-designed Type-039B Yuan Class submarines. The initial batch of Yuan submarines is expected to be delivered to Pakistan in the coming years, with the possibility of local production. These submarines may incorporate Pakistan-specific equipment and capabilities, including the Babur-3 missile. Notably, in the past, the Chinese Navy, officially known as the PLAN (People's Liberation Army Navy), has deployed its submarines in the Indian Ocean. A Chinese Type-091 Han Class nuclear-powered submarine, for instance, visited Karachi in 2016, occupying the same quay where the Pakistani submarine is now positioned, further underscoring the growing naval cooperation between China and Pakistan in the strategically vital region.