BEIJING: The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class attack submarine, “PNS/M Hangor”, was held in Sanya, China, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval modernisation program.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is currently on an official visit to China, attended the ceremony as chief guest, alongside Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
Speaking at the event, President Zardari termed the commissioning a “historic milestone” in strengthening Pakistan’s naval capabilities and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to maintaining a “robust, balanced and credible defence posture.” He emphasised that Pakistan remains fully capable of defending its sovereignty, safeguarding maritime interests, and protecting its economic lifelines.
He further noted that the advanced submarine enhances Pakistan’s maritime defence and reflects the deep strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. According to the Presidency, the Hangor-class submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, enabling extended underwater endurance without resurfacing.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the growing importance of securing global maritime choke points, stressing that a “stable, rule-based maritime order” requires technologically advanced naval forces. He said the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weapons and advanced sensors, will play a key role in maintaining regional maritime stability and protecting Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean.
Recalling naval history, the Chief of Naval Staff said the name “Hangor” carries great significance, referencing the 1971 war when the original PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, the Indian frigate INS Khukri. The vessel is now preserved at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.He added that the new PNS/M Hangor continues this legacy and represents a major step forward in modernising Pakistan Navy’s fleet with cutting-edge technology.
The Pakistan Navy confirmed that a total of eight Hangor-class submarines will be inducted. The first was launched in April 2024, followed by subsequent units launched in March, August, and December 2025. Senior military and naval officials from both Pakistan and China attended the ceremony, underscoring the strategic defence cooperation between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir also congratulated the Pakistan Navy on achieving what they described as a historic milestone.
