Rawalpindi (TDI): The Pakistan Navy’s fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, was launched at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Wednesday.
Terming the development a “significant milestone,” the ISPR stated that all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China are currently undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of delivery to Pakistan.
Pakistan signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines, under which four are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.
According to the ISPR, the submarines will be equipped with advanced weapon systems and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at extended standoff ranges.
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“The induction of Hangor-class submarines will play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the statement said, adding that senior officials from both Pakistan and China attended the launch ceremony, reflecting the depth of bilateral defense cooperation.
The Pakistan Navy launched the first Hangor-class submarine in April 2024, followed by the second and third on March 15 and August 15, 2025, respectively.
Named after the historic PNS Hangor, the Hangor-class is a diesel-electric attack submarine featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, allowing it to operate for extended durations without surfacing.
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During the 1971 Pakistan–India war, PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, destroying an Indian frigate. After its decommissioning, the submarine was placed on display at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.
