Pakistan Navy formally commissioned the first Chinese-built Hangor-class attack submarine, named PNS/M Hangor, on May 4 in Sanya, Hainan Island, China [1]. The ceremony marked the submarine’s induction into the Pakistan Navy fleet.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the commissioning event. Zardari called the occasion a "historic milestone" for the Pakistan Navy’s modernisation efforts [1]. He said the submarine affirms Islamabad’s commitment to maintaining "a robust, balanced, and credible defence posture capable of defending sovereignty, maritime interests, and economic security" [1].
Admiral Ashraf highlighted the strategic significance of enhanced naval capabilities. He said "disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security," stressing the need for technologically advanced naval forces to uphold stable maritime order [1].
The PNS/M Hangor submarine represents a significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s underwater capabilities through cooperation with China.
The commissioning ceremony on May 4 stands as a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of Pakistan's naval assets. The submarine is expected to begin operational deployment soon under the Pakistan Navy’s command [1].
