ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted Hangor-class submarine has conducted its maiden live weapon-firing exercise in the North Arabian Sea, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the submarine launched an anti-ship cruise missile during the exercise, successfully engaging its designated target at extended range. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and commended the combat capabilities demonstrated by PNS/M Hangor, the ISPR said.
The naval chief underscored the need for continued enhancement of the navy’s undersea warfare capabilities to maintain operational readiness and a “credible deterrence” at sea, according to the statement. PNS/M Hangor is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines being acquired from China under the Pakistan Navy’s fleet modernisation programme.
The Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations said the submarine was equipped with advanced combat systems and sensors, air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth capabilities.
PNS/M Hangor was commissioned in April during a ceremony in Sanya, China, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Admiral Ashraf. The submarine arrived in Karachi in June, formally joining the Pakistan Navy’s operational fleet.
The induction of the Hangor-class submarines is part of Pakistan-China defence cooperation and the navy’s efforts to expand and modernise its undersea warfare capabilities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments