Pakistan has formally inducted its first Hangor-class submarine into service, marking a significant milestone in its broader effort to modernise naval capabilities and strengthen maritime defence. The induction is part of a long-term agreement with China under which Pakistan is set to acquire a total of eight submarines in this class, reflecting deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.
The Hangor-class submarines are believed to be based on China’s Type 039A design and incorporate advanced features such as torpedoes, anti-ship missile systems, and air-independent propulsion technology. This propulsion system allows the submarines to remain submerged for extended durations without surfacing, significantly enhancing stealth, survivability, and operational range in contested maritime environments.
The commissioning ceremony took place in Sanya and was attended by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest, along with senior officials from both nations. The event underscored the strategic importance of the defence partnership between Islamabad and Beijing, which has expanded steadily in recent years across multiple domains.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s military described the induction as another step in strengthening bilateral ties, emphasising the long-standing defence relationship between the two countries. Zardari characterised the development as a historic achievement for Pakistan’s navy, highlighting its role in ensuring a credible and balanced defence posture. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding national sovereignty, protecting maritime interests, and securing critical economic routes.
Chief of Naval Staff Naveed Ashraf pointed to growing security challenges in key maritime regions, particularly strategic shipping lanes that are vital for global trade and energy transportation. He noted that the advanced capabilities of the Hangor-class submarines would contribute to maintaining regional stability while enhancing Pakistan’s ability to secure sea lanes across the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean.
The name “Hangor” carries historical significance within Pakistan’s naval tradition, referencing a submarine credited by Pakistan with sinking the Indian warship INS Khukri during the 1971 conflict. This legacy adds symbolic weight to the new class of submarines, linking current military developments with past naval operations.
Overall, the induction reflects Pakistan’s continued reliance on submarine capabilities as a central component of its defence strategy, particularly in the context of regional tensions and the need to protect maritime assets and trade routes.
