Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has been formally commissioned at a ceremony held in Sanya, China, marking a major step in the modernization of the country’s naval fleet.
President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony as chief guest, while Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present.
The commissioning ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine was held in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as chief guest.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, senior officials of Pakistan Navy and officials from the PLA Navy also attended the ceremony.
President calls Hangor a historic milestone
President Zardari described the commissioning of PNS/M Hangor as a historic milestone in the modernization journey of Pakistan Navy. He said the development reflects Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.
The president said Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines and corridors.
Naval chief warns of threats to sea routes
Admiral Naveed Ashraf said disruptions at critical maritime choke points are increasingly threatening global trade and energy security. He said maintaining a stable and rules-based maritime order requires technologically advanced naval forces.
The naval chief added that the closure or disruption of important sea routes poses a major threat to global trade and energy supplies.
The naval chief said Hangor-class submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and Air Independent Propulsion technology. He said the submarines also feature modern sonar systems, stealth design and the capability to conduct long-range operations.
According to Admiral Ashraf, these capabilities will play a key role in preserving maritime order and stability in the region.
Submarine to strengthen maritime defence
Admiral Naveed Ashraf said Hangor-class submarines will play an important role in deterring aggression. He said they will also help ensure the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.
The commissioning of PNS/M Hangor is expected to bolster Pakistan Navy’s maritime defence and modernize its fleet with cutting-edge technology.
The naval chief said the name Hangor holds a special place in Pakistan’s national history. He recalled that during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the earlier Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship.
Admiral Ashraf said the new PNS/M Hangor will carry that illustrious legacy forward.
New chapter in Pakistan-China friendship
The commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine also marks another chapter in the long-standing and deep friendship between Pakistan and China.
Officials said the ceremony reflects the time-tested and enriching defence partnership between the two countries. Senior representatives from Pakistan Navy and the PLA Navy were present at the event.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the entire nation and Pakistan Navy on achieving the historic milestone. Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir also congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy.
Officials said the commissioning of PNS/M Hangor is an important achievement that will strengthen Pakistan’s maritime defence capability and support regional maritime stability.
