Pakistan commissions first Hangor-class submarine at historic ceremony in China

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari presided over the commissioning of Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine at a ceremony in China, marking a major milestone in the country’s naval modernization and defense capabilities.

The commissioning ceremony of PNS/M Hangor was held in Sanya, China, said a press release issued by Pakistan's military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Thursday.

The president graced the occasion as the chief guest; Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, was also present.

President Zardari described the commissioning of Hangor as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy's modernization, affirming Pakistan's resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defense posture. 

He said that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

Need for technologically advanced forces

Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints increasingly threaten global trade and energy security, and that maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order demands technologically advanced naval forces. 

He said that Hangor-class submarines -- armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and air-independent propulsion -- will be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region. 

These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.

The naval chief reiterated that the name Hangor holds a significant place in our national history. In 1971, earlier Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. 

PNS/M Hangor will carry this illustrious legacy forward, as this is an important milestone for Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defense and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology.

The commissioning of the 1st Hangor-class submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. 

The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and the PLA (Navy).

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone.