Pakistan Navy has commissioned PNS/M Hangor, the first submarine of the new Hangor-class under its ongoing modernization program, at Sanya, China.
The ceremony was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, along with senior officials from Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy.
President Zardari termed the induction a “historic milestone”, reaffirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a credible maritime defence posture and secure its economic lifelines.
Pakistan Navy Commissioned 1st HANGOR Class Submarine PNS/M HANGOR at Sanya China. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as Chief Guest, CNS Adm Naveed Ashraf was also present at the ceremony. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/yao6hrpECQ
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) April 30, 2026
What Makes the New Hangor-Class Submarines Critical
The new Hangor-class submarines — based on the Chinese Type 039B / Yuan-class (S26 export variant) — represent Pakistan’s most advanced conventional submarines to date.
Key Capabilities:
- Air Independent Propulsion (AIP):
Allows extended submerged operations, significantly improving stealth and survivability. - Advanced Combat Systems:
Integrated sonar suites and modern fire-control systems for enhanced situational awareness. - Multi-Role Weapons Suite:
Equipped with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles; potential for land-attack capability. - Reduced Acoustic Signature:
Designed for silent operations in contested maritime environments.
Pakistan is expected to induct eight submarines under this program, with some units to be constructed at Karachi Shipyard — boosting indigenous capability.
Strategic Context: Why This Matters Now
Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted growing threats to global maritime security, particularly at critical chokepoints.
The Hangor-class will enable Pakistan to:
- Secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs)
- Protect maritime trade and energy routes
- Enhance deterrence in the Arabian Sea
- Operate effectively in the wider Indian Ocean region
In an environment of increasing naval competition, these submarines significantly strengthen Pakistan’s sea denial capability.
Clarifying the Legacy: Hangor Then vs Hangor Now
While PNS/M Hangor is the first of the new Hangor-class, the name itself is not new.
The original PNS Hangor (Daphne-class submarine) achieved historic success in 1971 by sinking an Indian warship — the first such kill since World War II.
The new submarine carries forward that legacy, but represents a completely new generation of undersea warfare capability.
Pakistan-China Naval Partnership Deepens
The Hangor program is a flagship project under defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.
It reflects:
- Deepening military ties
- Technology transfer and local production
- Long-term maritime security collaboration
The presence of PLA Navy officials at the ceremony underscores the strategic importance of this partnership.
Bigger Picture: Undersea Deterrence in the Indian Ocean
The induction comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing importance of maritime dominance.
Pakistan’s strategy is increasingly focused on:
➡️ Sea denial rather than sea control
➡️ Protecting Gwadar and CPEC routes
➡️ Countering regional naval expansion
Submarines like Hangor provide a cost-effective but potent deterrent, especially against larger surface fleets.
Conclusion: A New Chapter, Not the First
The commissioning of PNS/M Hangor marks:
✔️ The first of Pakistan’s new Hangor-class submarines
✔️ A major leap in naval modernization
✔️ A reinforcement of Pakistan’s undersea deterrence
But it is not the beginning of the Hangor legacy — it is its evolution into the next generation of naval warfare.
