Rawalpindi, April 30, 2026(Kamran Raja): The commissioning ceremony of the first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, was held in Sanya, China. Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, was also in attendance. Addressing the ceremony, President Zardari termed the commissioning of PNS/M Hangor a historic milestone in the modernization of the Pakistan Navy. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining a robust, balanced, and credible defence posture, emphasizing the country’s capability to safeguard its sovereignty, protect maritime interests, and secure vital economic lifelines. The Naval Chief highlighted the growing challenges posed by disruptions at critical maritime choke points, which threaten global trade and energy security. He underscored that ensuring a stable, rules-based maritime order requires technologically advanced naval capabilities. He noted that Hangor-class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, will play a crucial role in maintaining maritime stability and deterring aggression in the region.
He further stated that these submarines will significantly enhance the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region. The Naval Chief also recalled the legacy of the original Hangor submarine, which in 1971 became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. He expressed confidence that PNS/M Hangor will carry forward this distinguished legacy while strengthening Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities with cutting-edge technology. The commissioning marks another important chapter in the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy). The Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this significant milestone.