Pakistan Navy Inducts First China-Built Hangor Submarine

Pakistan Navy has formally inducted its first China-designed Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, in a commissioning ceremony held in Sanya, China, on April 30. The event marked a major step in Pakistan’s naval modernisation drive, with President Asif Ali Zardari attending as chief guest alongside Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

The commissioning is being viewed as a significant defence milestone at a time when maritime security, energy routes and regional naval balance have become increasingly important for Pakistan. Senior officials from both Pakistan Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy were present at the ceremony, underlining the defence cooperation behind the project.

PNS/M Hangor is described as a diesel-electric attack submarine equipped with air-independent propulsion technology. This capability allows a submarine to remain submerged for longer periods than conventional designs, improving stealth, endurance and operational flexibility in sensitive waters.

President Zardari, speaking at the ceremony, called the induction a historic moment for Pakistan Navy’s modernisation. He said Pakistan remained committed to maintaining a balanced and credible defence posture, adding that the country had the capacity to protect its sovereignty, maritime interests and economic lifelines.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the growing risks faced by global trade and energy movement at major maritime choke points. He said modern naval platforms were essential for preserving stability, adding that the new Hangor-class submarines would strengthen Pakistan’s ability to deter aggression and secure sea lines of communication across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

The Hangor name carries deep symbolic value in Pakistan’s naval history. During the 1971 war, the earlier PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, the Indian frigate INS Khukri. The new submarine now carries that legacy into a modern era of underwater warfare and strategic deterrence.

The ceremony also reflected the long-running defence partnership between Pakistan and China. Officials described the commissioning as another chapter in the two countries’ strategic relationship, particularly in naval technology, defence production and maritime security cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also congratulated the nation and Pakistan Navy on the development. Their messages framed the submarine’s induction not only as a military achievement but also as a national advancement in defence preparedness.

For Pakistan, the arrival of the first Hangor-class submarine is important because the country’s economy depends heavily on secure sea routes for trade, fuel and supply chains. As regional competition grows and maritime disruptions become more frequent, a stronger underwater fleet gives Pakistan added depth in protecting its coastline and strategic interests.

The next phase will focus on operational integration, crew readiness and continued development of the broader Hangor-class programme. If future inductions proceed as planned, Pakistan Navy’s submarine arm is expected to gain a more modern and capable profile in the years ahead.