Sanya (TDI): The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its first HANGOR-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China.
The event was attended by Pakistan’s President – Asif Ali Zardari – as chief guest, alongside the country’s Naval Chief, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. Naval officials and representatives from China’s People’s Liberation Army (Navy) were also present.
Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari, who is currently on a five-day official visit to China, described the induction of the HANGOR-class submarine as a milestone in the modernization of Pakistan Navy.
He said that Pakistan seeks to maintain a robust, balanced, and credible defense posture, and is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, safeguarding maritime interests, and ensuring the protection of critical 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
Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the evolving security dynamics in the maritime domain, noting that disruptions at key global choke points pose increasing risks to international trade and energy flows.
He said that maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order requires technologically advanced naval capabilities, and the HANGOR-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
“These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,” an official statement referred to him as saying.
Read More: Pakistan Navy Launches Fourth Hangor-Class Submarine in China
The Naval Chief also spotlighted the historical significance of the name “HANGOR,” recalling the achievements of its predecessor during the 1971 war, when it became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship.
He expressed confidence that PNS/M HANGOR will carry forward that legacy while ushering in a new era of naval capability.
The commissioning ceremony also symbolized expanding defense cooperation between Pakistan and China. In Pakistan, the Prime Minister and Chief of Armed Forces congratulated Pakistan Navy on the commissioning.
