Pakistan Navy: Fourth Hangor-class submarine hits the water in China

December 18, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

The fourth Hangor-class submarine of Pakistan Navy, named Ghazi, has been launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan, China.

The launching ceremony took place on December 17, 2025. Pakistan has formalized an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines, a cornerstone program in the modernization of the Pakistan Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities. The deal reflects a long-standing strategic and industrial partnership between the two countries and marks one of the most significant naval procurement efforts in Pakistan’s history.

Under the contract, four of the submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built domestically at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) under a comprehensive transfer-of-technology arrangement. The local construction phase is intended to strengthen Pakistan’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity, enhance technical expertise, and support long-term sustainment of the fleet.

The Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with modern sensors and advanced weapon systems, enabling them to detect, track, and engage targets at standoff ranges across a wide spectrum of maritime operations. Once inducted, they are expected to significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s deterrence posture and undersea situational awareness.

With the launch of Ghazi, the Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone, where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan.

The third vessel in this class, Mangro, was launched in August this year.

Pakistan Navy floats out third Hangor-class submarine in China

Vessels

Officials have consistently described the Hangor program as a stabilizing element in the regional maritime security environment, aimed at preserving credible deterrence and maintaining balance at sea. The submarines are set to play a pivotal role in ensuring maritime security and contributing to peace and stability in the broader region.