Pakistan commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China ceremony

Pakistan has formally commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, during a ceremony held in Sanya, China, marking a major step in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization programme.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, along with senior officials from both the Pakistan Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy), according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

President Zardari described the induction of PNS Hangor as a historic milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities. He said the development reflects Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a “robust, balanced and credible defence posture” while safeguarding its sovereignty and economic interests.

Naval Chief Admiral Ashraf highlighted growing challenges to global maritime security, particularly at critical sea routes and chokepoints that influence international trade and energy flows. He stressed that maintaining a stable and rules-based maritime order requires modern and technologically advanced naval forces.

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The Hangor-class submarines are equipped with advanced weapons systems, modern sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, which significantly enhances underwater endurance and operational capability. According to the Navy, these submarines will play a key role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of sea lines of communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

ISPR also noted the historical significance of the Hangor name, recalling that during the 1971 conflict, the original PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, a legacy the new platform is expected to carry forward.

Officials said the commissioning also reflects the longstanding defence cooperation between Pakistan and China. The event was described as another milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries, particularly in naval technology and maritime security collaboration.

Senior Pakistani leadership, including the Prime Minister and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, congratulated the Navy on the achievement.