Pakistan Navy’s First Hangor-Class Submarine Arrives in Karachi, Strengthening Maritime Defense Capability
The first Pakistan Navy Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has arrived in Karachi and was accorded a traditional naval welcome by Pakistan Navy personnel and senior officers.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by senior Pakistan Navy officials, naval personnel, and families of crew members. Cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to mark the submarine’s arrival.
According to the Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), PN Z9EC helicopters conducted a fly-past in honor of the submarine during the reception ceremony.
A formal reception was later held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, where Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended as the chief guest.
PNS/M Hangor is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, significantly boosting Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare and maritime security capabilities.
The Pakistan Navy stated that the arrival of PNS/M Hangor represents a major milestone in its ongoing modernization program and reflects the growing strategic defense cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The submarine was commissioned in April during a ceremony held in Sanya, China, where President Asif Ali Zardari attended as the chief guest.
The commissioning ceremony was also attended by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and was described as a significant milestone in Pakistan-China defense cooperation and the Pakistan Navy’s modernization drive.
President Zardari termed the commissioning of the Hangor-class submarine a historic step toward strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defense posture and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to protecting its sovereignty and economic lifelines.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted evolving maritime security challenges and emphasized the need for advanced naval capabilities, noting the critical role of submarines in safeguarding sea lines of communication.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces, and Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir also congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on the achievement, ISPR added.
