Prime Minister Shehbaz, CDF Munir congratulates the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for achieving this historic milestone
Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony in Sanya, China. PHOTO: ISPR
The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, took place on Thursday in Sanya, China. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to mark this significant milestone for the Pakistan Navy, the military’s media wing said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “President Zardari described the commissioning of Hangor as a historic milestone in Pakistan’s naval modernization, reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defense posture.”
“He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines,” the statement added.
Admiral Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security. He stated that maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order required technologically advanced naval forces.
Commissioning ceremony of the 1st HANGOR class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, has been held in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as the chief guest. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the ceremony.@PresOfPakistan@dgprPaknavy… pic.twitter.com/xvH8AsKgF9
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) 30 April 2026
He added that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weapons, advanced sensors and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, would play a key role in maintaining regional maritime stability and deterring aggression.
“These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,” he said.
The ISPR statement further noted that the naval chief reiterated the significance of the name Hangor in Pakistan’s national history.
“In 1971, the erstwhile Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. PNS Hangor will carry forward this illustrious legacy. This is an important milestone for the Pakistan Navy, which will strengthen our maritime defenses and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology,” it said.
Read more: Pakistan to get Chinese Hangor-class submarines in 2026
The statement also said that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine marks another chapter in the proven and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of Pakistan Navy and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).
“The Prime Minister and Chief of Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for achieving this historic milestone,” the statement concluded.
