An in-depth look at reports that Pakistan's Navy plans to outfit eight Hangor-class submarines with Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missiles, claimed to have a range of about 450 kilometers. The Agosta 90B boats, already in service since 2017, are said to have carried a version of this system, highlighting a shift toward enhanced sea-based deterrence. The piece also notes alleged steps toward acquiring or leasing nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs) in the 2030s through integrated weapon systems and expanded crew training abroad. My assessment is that, if credible, this represents a deliberate move to elevate Pakistan's naval deterrence from surface and air platforms to a more survivable underwater posture. However, significant hurdles remain, including the technical feasibility of arming aging hulls with modern SLCMs, the sustainability of a 450 km range in operational conditions, and the political and logistical challenges of sustained SSN access and training abroad. The plan would likely intensify regional strategic calculations, potentially prompting responses from India and other powers and prompting Islamabad to pursue broader international partnerships to support a long-term modernization program. The overall trajectory suggests a cautious but purposeful shift toward a more capable underwater deterrent, contingent on sustained funding, maintenance, and international collaboration.
Source: Statement from @SubhanJaved911
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Published: May 18, 2026, 7:59 am
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