Pakistan Commissions First PNS Hangor Submarine Class in China

Pakistan Navy – (Web Desk) – Pakistan made history on Thursday as the PNS Hangor submarine was officially commissioned in a grand ceremony held in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the event, marking one of the most significant moments in Pakistan Navy’s modern history.

Pakistan signed an agreement with China to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines in total. These are advanced diesel-electric attack submarines built to meet modern warfare demands. Under this deal, four submarines are being built in China, while the other four will be manufactured right here in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd. This is not just a defense deal — it is a step toward building Pakistan’s own submarine industry at home.

Why These Submarines Matter

The Hangor-class submarines are designed to protect Pakistan’s most critical sea routes. The Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region are home to vital trade and energy supply lines. Any threat to these routes could seriously harm Pakistan’s economy and national security. These submarines will act as a strong deterrent against anyone who dares to disrupt that flow.

President Zardari called the commissioning a historic milestone. He made it clear that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its waters, protecting its maritime interests, and keeping its economic lifelines secure.

What Makes This Submarine Special

Admiral Naveed Ashraf explained that the Hangor-class submarines come equipped with:

• State-of-the-art weapons systems
• Advanced underwater sensors
• Air-independent propulsion (AIP) — a cutting-edge technology that allows the submarine to stay underwater for much longer without needing to surface

AIP technology gives these submarines a major tactical advantage. They are quieter, harder to detect, and far more dangerous to any potential adversary.

A Name Rooted in History

The name Hangor is not new to Pakistan. It carries enormous pride. The original PNS Hangor made history in 1971 by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship. That single act changed the course of a conflict and put Pakistan’s Navy on the world map.

Today, the new PNS Hangor submarine carries that same spirit forward — only now with far more advanced technology and a much bigger mission.

Pakistan and China: A Partnership Built on Trust

This submarine deal is part of a much larger relationship between Pakistan and China. Over the period from 2020 to 2024, Pakistan purchased more than 60 percent of China’s total weapons exports, making it Beijing’s single largest arms customer. Beyond defense, China has committed over 65 billion dollars in investment through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC — a massive project involving roads, power plants, and infrastructure development across Pakistan.

The commissioning of the PNS Hangor submarine is therefore not just a military event. It is a symbol of how deep and wide this partnership has grown.

What Comes Next

With four more submarines to be built in Pakistan, the country is moving toward becoming more self-reliant in defense manufacturing. The Karachi Shipyard will gain critical skills and technology transfer through this process. In the years ahead, Pakistan aims to have a fully modernized naval fleet capable of operating across the Indian Ocean with confidence and strength.