The AIP Paradox: Endurance for Submarines, Shortages for People

Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems enable conventional diesel-electric submarines to remain submerged for significantly longer periods, eliminating the need for them to surface frequently to recharge their batteries. This leap enhances stealth, survivability, and overall effectiveness, granting any navy a quieter and more persistent underwater presence. 

Pakistan’s navy already operates three AIP-equipped Agosta-90B submarines. Soon, with China’s assistance, it will induct eight advanced Hangor-class AIP submarines. 

The Hangor deal is a $5 billion contract signed in 2015 under which Pakistan is acquiring eight advanced Hangor-class diesel-electric attack submarines from China, with four being built in China and four domestically in Karachi under technology transfer, enhancing Pakistan’s naval capabilities significantly.

This will give Pakistan a future fleet of 11 AIP-capable vessels. For the military, this represents a significant strategic advantage in the Arabian Sea and beyond.

This, however, does not help with Pakistan’s day-to-day problems faced by ordinary folks. 

While the submariners gain the ability to remain submerged for weeks, ordinary families endure persistent shortages and rising pressures above ground. 

Moreover, Pakistan’s energy sector remains burdened by circular debt, outdated infrastructure, and fragile transmission lines, leading to a significant 15% drop in electricity generation in February 2025, accompanied by frequent blackouts due to insufficient capacity. 

As a matter of fact, to address mounting financial pressures and ease growing concerns from China, Pakistan only this month moved to settle over Rs 100 billion dues owed to Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs) ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing in late August 2025. While this payment will reduce outstanding obligations to Chinese power producers, Pakistan will still have a huge amount left to pay in the sector. As per a report by The Daily CPEC, “As of June, Pakistan’s unpaid dues to CPEC-linked Chinese power projects stood at Rs 423 billion.” It added that this clearance will bring the figure down by nearly one-fourth, leaving over Rs 300 billion in outstanding payments.  

Food insecurity and inflation further strain households. Although food inflation, which had surged to nearly 49% in May 2023, has eased dramatically to around 1–4% by mid-2025, the improvement masks the ongoing affordability crisis. Wages have not kept pace, electricity remains unreliable, and even basic needs require difficult trade-offs for many families.

This contrast is politically jarring. On the one hand, images of Pakistan launching submarines with advanced propulsion systems highlight its commitment to national defence and deterrence. On the other hand, citizens face empty plates, long queues, and sudden power cuts. For many observers, the juxtaposition feels like an uneasy symbol: a state investing heavily to stay underwater longer while its people are sinking under the weight of unaffordable living costs.

While Pakistan invests significantly in extending the underwater endurance of its submarines via advanced Air Independent Propulsion systems, a parallel reality unfolds above ground. The nation has had to rely heavily on international financial lifelines to stabilise its economy, most recently securing around $1 billion upfront under a $7 billion IMF Extended Fund Facility programme approved in May 2025. This bailout shows the difficult balancing act Pakistan faces—prioritising strategic military capabilities amid persistent economic vulnerabilities that necessitate ongoing international support. 

This connection highlights how Pakistan simultaneously navigates strengthening its naval prowess and managing recurring fiscal and structural economic challenges demanding critical IMF assistance. 

National security requires investment, but when high-tech defence contrasts too sharply with high-cost daily struggles, credibility and trust can erode.