ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has said the planned induction of eight Hangor-class submarines will significantly strengthen the country’s maritime defense, as the service marked the 54th Hangor Day on Tuesday.
In a post shared by the Pakistan Navy Directorate General of Public Relations on X, Admiral Ashraf recalled the 1971 engagement in which submarine PNS/M Hangor sank the Indian submarine INS Khukri and crippled INS Kirpan — an operation he described as “the first submarine engagement against a warship after World War II and the only successful attack by a conventional submarine in modern history.”
He said the historic action remained “a strategic demonstration of Pakistan Navy's resolve to counter aggression and defend our maritime frontiers against all odds,” adding that the day honoured the courage, perseverance and devotion of the Hangor crew.
The Navy chief linked the legacy of PNS/M Hangor to the service’s ongoing modernization, noting that Pakistan places “special emphasis on our sub-surface offensive capability.” He said the submarine acquisition programme with China, which includes eight Hangor-class vessels, would “give a formidable boost to our offensive punch and provide operational flexibility to the Pakistan Navy.”
Admiral Ashraf also paid tribute to the crew of PNS/M Ghazi, saying their sacrifice would continue to inspire the force. “Pakistan Navy will continue to draw inspiration from their ultimate sacrifice as well as the exemplary feat of PNS/M Hangor,” he said.
Eternal order in the national history
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute on Tuesday to the Pakistan Navy on the occasion of Hangor Day, commemorating the 1971 action in which the navy’s submarine Hangor demonstrated what he described as an invincible national defense.
In his message, the prime minister said the officers and crew of the Hangor had, through “courage, bravery and valor,” set an enduring example in the country’s maritime history. He said their actions ensured the protection of Pakistan’s water borders and became an eternal order in the national history.
The prime minister said the nation is proud of invaluable assets such as the officers and crew of the Pakistan Navy and the Hangor submarine, praising the force for consistently upholding Pakistan’s security interests. He said the Pakistan Navy had consistently enhanced the country's honor and dignity by thwarting the enemy's hidden attacks with complete fearlessness.
Sharif said Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international peace remains steadfast, adding that the country also retains an unwavering determination to ensure a strong and secure national defense.
He added that Dec. 9 serves as a reminder that Pakistan’s maritime borders are in iron hands, reinforcing the message of deterrence.
