Pakistan Commissions First Hangor-Class Submarine in China, Bolstering Naval Modernization

Key facts

• PNS Hangor, Pakistan's first Hangor-class submarine, was commissioned on Thursday in Sanya, China.
• President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony as chief guest, alongside Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
• The submarine is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system.
• The Hangor name recalls the 1971 sinking of an Indian warship, the first submarine kill since World War II.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces General Asim Munir congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy.
• The commissioning marks another chapter in Pakistan-China defence cooperation, with senior officials from both navies present.

A New Chapter in Maritime Defence

Pakistan has taken a significant step in modernising its naval forces with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, in a ceremony held in Sanya, China, on Thursday. President Asif Ali Zardari, who attended as chief guest, described the event as a historic milestone in the Pakistan Navy's modernisation, reaffirming the country's commitment to a robust and credible defence posture. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present, alongside senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the commissioning marks another chapter in the time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China.

President Zardari Affirms Defence Resolve

Speaking at the ceremony, President Zardari emphasised that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines. He termed the induction of the Hangor-class submarine a reaffirmation of Pakistan's resolve to maintain a balanced and credible defence posture. The president's remarks underscored the strategic importance of the new vessel in the context of regional security challenges. His presence as chief guest highlighted the high priority the government places on naval modernisation.

Naval Chief Highlights Strategic Role of Hangor-Class Submarines

Admiral Naveed Ashraf outlined the growing threats to global trade and energy security at critical maritime choke points, stressing the need for technologically advanced naval forces to maintain a stable, rule-based maritime order. He said the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, will play a key role in maintaining regional maritime stability and deterring aggression. The naval chief added that these submarines will be vital in safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region. He reiterated the significance of the name Hangor, recalling its 1971 legacy as the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship.

Legacy of the Hangor Name

The commissioning of PNS Hangor carries forward a storied legacy. In 1971, the earlier Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship, an achievement that remains a point of pride for the Pakistan Navy. Admiral Ashraf noted that the new submarine will carry this illustrious legacy forward while bolstering the navy's modern capabilities. The name itself serves as a reminder of Pakistan's naval history and its evolving strategic ambitions. The ISPR statement highlighted that the new Hangor will strengthen Pakistan Navy's modernisation and fleet modernisation with cutting-edge technology.

Congratulations from Top Leadership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone. Their messages of support were conveyed through the ISPR statement, which noted the significance of the event for national defence. The congratulations from the country's top civilian and military leadership underscore the unified support for the navy's modernisation efforts. The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior officials from both the Pakistan Navy and the People's Liberation Army Navy, reflecting the strong defence ties between the two countries.

Pakistan-China Defence Cooperation Deepens

The commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine marks another milestone in the deepening defence cooperation between Pakistan and China. The ISPR statement described the event as a new chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between the two nations. The ceremony in Sanya, a Chinese naval base, was attended by senior officials from the People's Liberation Army Navy, highlighting the collaborative nature of the project. The Hangor-class submarines are part of a broader programme to modernise the Pakistan Navy's fleet, with China as a key partner in technology transfer and shipbuilding.

Strategic Implications for Regional Stability

The induction of the Hangor-class submarine comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean region. Admiral Ashraf's remarks about threats at maritime choke points and the need for a rule-based order reflect concerns over growing competition among major powers. Pakistan's naval modernisation, including the acquisition of AIP-equipped submarines, is seen as a response to evolving security challenges. The Hangor-class vessels are expected to enhance Pakistan's ability to protect its maritime interests and contribute to regional stability. The commissioning of PNS Hangor signals Islamabad's intent to maintain a credible naval deterrent in the face of shifting strategic dynamics.

The bottom line

• PNS Hangor, Pakistan's first Hangor-class submarine, was commissioned in Sanya, China, with President Zardari as chief guest.
• The submarine features advanced weapons, sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion, enhancing its stealth and endurance.
• The Hangor name commemorates the 1971 sinking of an Indian warship, the first submarine kill since WWII.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir congratulated the nation and navy on the milestone.
• The commissioning strengthens Pakistan-China defence ties, with senior PLA(N) officials in attendance.
• The submarine is intended to deter aggression and secure sea lines of communication in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.