The Pakistan Navy on Tuesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, marking another major milestone in Pakistan’s largest-ever naval modernisation programme.
With the launch of Ghazi, all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China have now entered the phase of rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages before their scheduled induction into the Pakistan Navy, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Hangor-class submarine programme is part of a landmark defence agreement between Pakistan and China for the acquisition of eight advanced submarines, aimed at significantly enhancing Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Major Naval Modernisation Project
Under the agreement, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement. Defence analysts say the programme represents a critical step in strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity and long-term self-reliance in naval defence.
Once inducted, the Hangor-class submarines will form the backbone of Pakistan Navy’s future undersea fleet, gradually replacing older platforms and expanding operational reach in the Arabian Sea and beyond.
Advanced Capabilities
According to ISPR, the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage surface and subsurface targets at standoff ranges. The submarines are designed to conduct a wide spectrum of missions, including intelligence gathering, sea denial, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, and strategic deterrence.
Naval experts note that the addition of these submarines will substantially enhance Pakistan’s second-strike capability and improve its ability to safeguard sea lines of communication in a region witnessing growing maritime competition.
Regional Security and Cooperation
ISPR said the Hangor-class submarines will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region, underscoring Pakistan Navy’s emphasis on credible deterrence and maritime security.
The launching ceremony in Wuhan was attended by senior military and government officials from Pakistan and China, reflecting the deepening defence and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
Pakistan and China have maintained a long-standing naval partnership, encompassing warship construction, submarine technology, training, and joint maritime exercises. The Hangor programme is widely seen as one of the most significant manifestations of this cooperation.
Next Steps
Following the completion of sea trials, the submarines will undergo final inspections and acceptance procedures before being formally handed over to Pakistan. Construction of the remaining four submarines at KS&EW is progressing under Chinese technical support, with delivery expected in phases over the coming years.
The induction of the Hangor-class submarines is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness and reinforce its role as a key maritime security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
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