Pakistan Navy commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China

Pakistan Navy on Thursday commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China, the military’s media wing said.

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that President Asif Ali Zardari attended the event as the chief guest, while Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from Pakistan Navy and China’s PLA Navy were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, the president termed the induction of the Hangor-class submarine a historic milestone in the navy’s modernisation, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.

“Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines,” he stated.

The naval chief highlighted the growing threats to global trade and energy security at key maritime choke points, stressing the need for technologically advanced naval capabilities.

“Maintaining a stable and rule-based maritime order demands technologically advanced naval forces,” he added.

He said the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with advanced weapons, sensors and air-independent propulsion, would be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region.

“These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,” he stated.

The naval chief also recalled the legacy of the original PNS Hangor, which sank an enemy warship in 1971, describing the new platform as a continuation of that legacy.

“PNS/M HANGOR will carry this illustrious legacy forward as this is an important milestone for Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defence and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology,” he maintained.

The commissioning of 1st HANGOR Class Submarine marks a significant milestone in Pakistan-China defence cooperation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir congratulated the nation and the navy on this historic achievement.