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SOURCE: AFI

In a recent interview with SUNO News HD, Commodore (R) Syed Muhammad Obaidullah of the Pakistan Navy made bold claims regarding the superiority of the Chinese-supplied Hangor-class submarines over the French-designed Scorpène-class submarines operated by the Indian Navy. According to Obaidullah, the edge lies in the Chinese Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.

However, this narrative requires a deeper examination of the technology at play. The Hangor-class submarines, an export variant of China’s Type 039A Yuan-class, are indeed equipped with AIP, but the specifics of this technology merit scrutiny.

Obaidullah highlighted the advantage of the Chinese AIP system, but experts point out that the Hangor-class submarines utilize an older Stirling engine-based AIP system. Stirling engines, while effective for extending underwater endurance, are not considered the cutting edge of AIP technology today. They require liquid oxygen for operation, which, although allowing submarines to remain submerged longer than conventional diesel-electric subs, do not match the efficiency or stealthiness of newer systems.

In contrast, the Indian Scorpène-class submarines, while not initially equipped with AIP, are slated to receive a Fuel-Cell based AIP system. This technology, once installed, could provide significant advantages over the Stirling-based system.

Fuel-cell AIP systems produce less noise, enhancing the submarine’s stealth capabilities, crucial for operations in contested waters. They generate electricity through a chemical reaction, offering better energy efficiency and longer underwater endurance without the need for frequent surfaces or snorkeling. Fuel-cell systems are known for lower maintenance requirements compared to Stirling engines, which can be more complex due to the mechanical nature of the engine.

Moreover, the propulsion setup of the Hangor-class submarines includes Chinese-made diesel generators, which, according to naval analysts, are louder than the German MTU engines originally intended for these submarines. The export of the MTU engines was blocked due to licensing issues, leading to the use of less acoustically efficient Chinese alternatives. This noise factor can significantly impact the submarine’s ability to remain undetected, an essential attribute for any submarine’s operational success.

While the Hangor-class submarines add to Pakistan’s naval capabilities, the assertion of outright superiority over the Scorpène-class needs to be contextualized. The upcoming integration of the Fuel-Cell AIP in the Indian submarines might tilt the balance in terms of technological sophistication and operational efficiency.

These discussions reflect the ongoing naval arms race in South Asia, where both India and Pakistan are keen to assert dominance in underwater warfare. The strategic importance of submarines in the region cannot be overstated, particularly in areas like the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, where they serve as vital components of national security and power projection.

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