Continuous Submersion for Over 14 Days: How Impressive is China's "Qilin" Class Submarine?

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense confirmed yesterday that the first "Qilin" class conventional submarine built by China for Pakistan has been delivered in Sanya. This is a normal equipment cooperation between China and Pakistan and a vivid embodiment of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.

How capable is the "Qilin" class submarine? What is its strategic significance for regional peace and stability?

The "Qilin" is equipped with an AIP system

It has an extremely strong "lung capacity"

The Qilin, a mythical auspicious beast in Chinese mythology, symbolizes favorable weather and national peace. Through the name "Qilin" class, we can feel the high hopes placed on it to promote world peace and development. The Pakistani side has named this delivered "Qilin" class submarine "Hangor." Military expert Zhang Junsha introduced that with the strength of the "Qilin" class, it is sure not to disappoint the Pakistani side.

Zhang Junsha: In terms of performance, the first aspect is that the power system uses China's independently developed AIP, which is an air-independent propulsion system. This system allows the submarine to operate silently underwater, continuously submerged for over 14 days, without the need to frequently surface for recharging. The submarine's stealth capability is greatly enhanced, effectively reducing the risk of detection by enemy anti-submarine forces. This means it can maintain a silent state throughout, moving like a ghost in the depths of the Indian Ocean, ready to launch a lethal strike against enemy targets at any time, which is its greatest advantage compared to ordinary submarines.

△ On April 30, 2026, at Sanya Military Port, Pakistani President Zardari awarded the command scroll to the captain of the "Hangor" (Qilin class) submarine. Source: Official release from the Pakistan Navy (DGPR)

This is the "Qilin's" super strong "lung capacity." We know that diesel engines require a large amount of air, and the endurance of electric motors is also limited. Therefore, for conventional submarines powered by "diesel + electric," it can be said that whoever can hold their breath longer underwater than their opponent has already won a significant advantage. The AIP, or air-independent propulsion technology, especially the thermal AIP technology of the "Qilin," can output power through a cycle of cooling, compressing, absorbing heat, and expanding using mediums like hydrogen or helium in the engine cylinder, and all these expansion and compression actions are completed within the cylinder, without needing to exchange gases with the atmosphere like internal combustion engines such as diesel engines. This allows the submarine to remain submerged for over ten days without surfacing, which is why some refer to AIP submarines as "quasi-nuclear submarines."

△ The newly commissioned PNS Hangor of the Pakistan Navy arrived at Kota Kinabalu Naval Base from May 8 to 11, 2026. Source: Royal Malaysian Navy Eastern Fleet

Experts: Possesses both nuclear and conventional strike capabilities

Not aimed at third parties

In Chinese folklore, the Qilin is usually benevolent and kind, but when angered, it is exceptionally fierce, with a voice like thunder. The "Qilin" class submarine is the same; when needed, its "sharp teeth and claws" should not be underestimated.

Zhang Junsha: It is equipped with 6 533mm torpedo launch tubes, which are heavy torpedo launch tubes. It can mix-load torpedoes, submarine-launched anti-ship missiles, and land-attack missiles. It can also launch the Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile developed by Pakistan, which has a range of 700 kilometers, so it possesses both nuclear and conventional strike capabilities, significantly enhancing its strategic deterrence. It should be said that the "Qilin" class conventional submarine is not an ordinary conventional submarine; it can be considered the first truly modern AIP submarine in South Asia.

Zhang Junsha believes that with the future delivery of all 8 "Qilin" class submarines to the Pakistan Navy, the Qilin with its "sharp teeth and claws" will become the "auspicious beast" guarding peace in Pakistan and the region.

Zhang Junsha: According to public reports, the contract signed between China and Pakistan is for Pakistan to order a total of 8 "Qilin" class submarines, with the first 4 being built in China and the latter 4 being jointly constructed at a shipyard in Pakistan. All 8 submarines will be delivered and commissioned by 2030, which will have a profound impact on the strategic landscape of South Asia. The military trade cooperation relationship between China and Pakistan is a normal military trade relationship between countries. The weapons and equipment we sell are not aimed at any third party, reflecting the deepening of the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, and further demonstrating the competitiveness of Chinese military technology in the international military trade market.

Reporter丨Cui Tianqi