Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine enters service

The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, during a ceremony held in Sanya, China.

The ceremony took place today (April 30). President Asif Ali Zardari attended the event as the chief guest, alongside Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from both the Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Zardari described the induction of PNS/M Hangor as a historic milestone, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a strong navy.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the growing challenges facing global maritime security, noting that disruptions at key choke points continue to threaten international trade and energy flows.

The new Hangor-class submarines are equipped with advanced sensors, modern weapons systems and air-independent propulsion technology, enabling extended underwater endurance. According to the naval chief, these capabilities will play a critical role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital sea lines of communication across the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region.

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.

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.

To remind, the fourth Hangor-class submarine was launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan, in December last year.