Diving Deeper: Comparing the Hangor-class and Kalvari-class Submarines

The undersea realm harbors a silent rivalry between two classes of attack submarines: the Chinese-derived Hangor class operated by Pakistan and the French-inspired Kalvari class of the Indian Navy. Both represent significant advancements in their respective navies’ capabilities, but key differences set them apart.

Let’s dive into a comparative analysis of these underwater predators.

Size and Displacement​

• Hangor: Larger with an estimated displacement of 2,800 tons, offering potentially more space for internal systems and crew comfort.
• Kalvari: More compact at 1,775 tons, offering better maneuverability in shallower waters but potentially less internal volume.

Propulsion​

• Hangor: Equipped with conventional Chinese diesel-electric engines and an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, providing longer underwater endurance. Specific details of the AIP system remain unclear.
• Kalvari: Relies solely on conventional diesel-electric engines, limiting underwater endurance compared to the Hangor. However, plans to integrate indigenous Fuel Cell AIP are underway, potentially closing the gap.

Armament​

• Hangor: Carries six 533mm torpedo tubes and can launch missiles like Babur 3 and anti-ship missiles. Specific information on its payload capacity is limited.
• Kalvari: Equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes and can launch a wider range of weapons, including heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship missiles like Exocet, and even DRDO developed Land-attack cruise missiles like ITCM and BrahMos-NG. Its payload capacity is well-defined.

Sensor Suite​

• Hangor: Details of its sensor suite are scarce, but it likely incorporates modern sonar and electronic warfare systems.
• Kalvari: Equipped with a sophisticated French-derived S-Cube – Integrated Submarine Sonar Suite, including advanced sonar systems and electronic warfare capabilities. S-Cube is also equipped on the Four Brazilian Navy’s Scorpène and also on the Peruvian Navy’s Type 209/1200 submarines.

Key Differences​

• Endurance: Hangor potentially has an edge due to its AIP system, but the specific technology remains shrouded in secrecy.
• Weaponry: Kalvari boasts a wider array of confirmed weapon options, offering greater operational flexibility.
• Sensor Suite: Both are likely modern, but Kalvari’s established French technology provides proven performance.

Unveiling the Winner​

Declaring a clear victor is challenging due to limited information about the Hangor class. While the Hangor might have an endurance advantage, Kalvari’s proven capabilities and wider weaponry spectrum shouldn’t be underestimated. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each submarine depends on its specific operational deployment and crew proficiency.

Beyond the Spec Sheet​

It’s crucial to remember that these submarines are merely tools within a broader strategic context. Their impact hinges on factors like training, support infrastructure, and overall naval strategy. Evaluating these factors adds another layer of complexity to understanding their true potential.

This analysis aims to provide a glimpse into the capabilities of the Hangor and Kalvari classes, highlighting their strengths and limitations. As these submarines continue to evolve and operate in their respective maritime theaters, the underwater landscape in the region promises to remain intriguing and dynamic.

 

[Hanshu=Agarwal]

Hangor or Type 039 or Song class( not be confused for Type 041 class) start making, metal cracking sound before reaching 200 metre deep

 

[Krishna]

Hangor or Type 039 or Song class( not be confused for Type 041 class) start making, metal cracking sound before reaching 200 metre deep

Source?

 

[Vinay Rana]

Chinese maal challah to Chand tak ,otherwise sham tak

 

[NSR]

Indian Scorpenes can't win anything when its primary heavy weight torpedo Blackshark is not yet acquired and fielded.
Last I heard that they were using old SUT Torpedoes of HDW 209 Shishumar class submarines.
India must move fast and acquire Blackshark or F21 torpedoes.

Waiting for Indian torpedoes is a risky proposition by all means.

 

[Abhijeet Dey]

India desperately needs nuclear attack submarines.

 

[siddharth]

Kalvari is not French inspired, its a French design manufactured under license ? Is t it just a scorpene with indigenous content. Design wise its entirely French and significant components

 

[Hraday]

Remember one thing that any Chinese made military or naval hardware is much inferior. It is copied and reverse engineered technology which makes these worthless. Already two countries are having problems with Chinese made submarines. They are trying to return them.

 

[ryan]

Remember one thing that any Chinese made military or naval hardware is much inferior. It is copied and reverse engineered technology which makes these worthless. Already two countries are having problems with Chinese made submarines. They are trying to return them.

Absolute Truth. Coronastan weapons are just for propaganda having highest failure rates in the real world
Bhikharistaan is basically a free dumping ground for Coronostan's weapons

 

[Mango]

Remember one thing that any Chinese made military or naval hardware is much inferior. It is copied and reverse engineered technology which makes these worthless. Already two countries are having problems with Chinese made submarines. They are trying to return them.

We will come to know the real worth of Chinese equipment once they are used in actual combat. Till then we will have to take their published capabilities as true and prepare accordingly.

 

[Varaaah]

Comparing foreign subs. Where are the indigenous subs? In Chhappan's belly?

 

[Ajath]

Chinese submarine technology cannot be compared to western ones. Chinese definitely lag .

 

[Anil Kumar]

Comparing foreign subs. Where are the indigenous subs? In Chhappan's belly?

This is also duty of ModiJi to design and develop a new submarine for drdo. Well said great going. Everything have to do to ModiJi and rest of people are for blaming him. And what MaunMohan and RahulChutya was was doing for 10 years

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Coronastan weapons are just for propaganda

Coronastan..bruh 😂😆

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

It's plain and simple that we lack heavy torpedoes and AIP which could have tilted the scale ,now we have to rely more on the skill of our naval officers.
We need bigger, better subs Period.

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Indian Scorpenes can't win anything when its primary heavy weight torpedo Blackshark is not yet acquired and fielded.
Last I heard that they were using old SUT Torpedoes of HDW 209 Shishumar class submarines.
India must move fast and acquire Blackshark or F21 torpedoes.

Waiting for Indian torpedoes is a risky proposition by all means.

Exactly. The scorpene boats are configured to fire Black Shark rounds, ergo that should not even be a second thought. Those should've been mass procured already considering WASS has been cleared to do business again. This sloth like decision making is exactly what lets us down when the rubber meets the road.