Indian Diplomacy Corners Pakistan? Pak Navy Faces Obstacles in Submarine Modernization Efforts.

 

According to recent reports, the Pakistan Navy is facing several setbacks in its efforts to modernize its submarine fleet. Among the issues facing the Navy are a lack of batteries for its existing submarines and delays in the delivery of engines for new submarines currently under construction.

Of the five submarines currently in Pakistan's fleet, there are concerns about the availability of batteries, which are critical for powering conventional submarines while they are submerged.

Pakistan had sought to purchase batteries from Greece, but its request was denied due to the close relationship between Greece and India, as well as Pakistan's ties with Turkey, a rival of Greece. As a result, Pakistan is attempting to have its existing batteries serviced by a subcontractor of the Greek company it had hoped to purchase batteries from. However, there are concerns that even this servicing may be discouraged.

In addition to the battery issue, there are also delays in the construction of new submarines. China is building eight Hangor-class submarines for Pakistan, but delivery of the first vessel was expected last August, with subsequent deliveries scheduled for last month. The reason for the delays appears to be a shortage of engines, which were to be acquired from the West. However, due to deteriorating relations between Beijing and the West, there is reluctance to share sensitive military technology with China, particularly when Pakistan is the ultimate recipient.

Although Pakistan's existing Agosta-class submarines are undergoing a midlife upgrade from Turkey, the battery issue remains unresolved, as does the problem of acquiring submarine engines.