Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony in Sanya, China, on Thursday, Inter-Services Public Relations said.
President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior Pakistan Navy and PLA Navy officials were also present, according to ISPR.
Commissioning ceremony of 1st #HANGOR Class Submarine, PNS/M HANGOR was held in Sanya, China@PresOfPakistan @AAliZardari @dgprPaknavy @OfficialDGISPR @ForeignOfficePk @MFA_China #RadioPakistan #News https://t.co/FKlr5ExKUS pic.twitter.com/eCryhn2D7R
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) April 30, 2026President Zardari called the commissioning a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy’s modernisation. He said Pakistan was capable of defending its sovereignty, maritime interests and economic lifelines.
Pakistan is acquiring eight Hangor-class submarines from China under a bilateral defence agreement. China is building four of them, while Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works in Pakistan plans to construct the remaining four.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf said the Hangor-class submarines carry advanced weapons, sensors and Air Independent Propulsion technology. This enables longer submerged operations and improved capability in regional waters.
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The naval chief said the submarines would help secure Sea Lines of Communication across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region. This comes amid threats to global trade and energy routes.
ISPR said the name Hangor refers to the earlier PNS Hangor. That submarine became the first since World War II to sink a warship during the 1971 conflict.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir congratulated the nation and Pakistan Navy on the commissioning.
