Islamabad, 15 August 2025 (Kamran Raja): The launching ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s third Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M MANGRO (Desig), was held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd., Shuangliu Base, Wuhan, China. Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Project-2), attended the event as Chief Guest.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd. and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad reaffirmed that Pakistan Navy is fully committed to safeguarding national interests by promoting a secure and cooperative maritime environment. He stated that Hangor-class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems and advanced sensors, will be capable of engaging targets at long ranges, thereby playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of power and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting the strategic significance of the project, the Chief Guest emphasized that the initiative would add a new dimension to the time-tested Pakistan–China friendship and enhance defence cooperation between the two nations.
The Government of Pakistan had earlier signed an agreement with China to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines. Under the contract, four submarines are being built in China while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd. (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.
The successful launch of PNS/M MANGRO marks another significant milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization drive, strengthening its operational readiness and maritime defence capabilities.