(Pakistan Navy Inducts deadly silent hunter as first Hangor submarine joins
fleet )
ISLAMABAD: In a powerful display of growing naval might, Pakistan has
officially commissioned its first Hangor-class attack submarine into the
fleet.
The ceremony took place in Sanya, China, marking a historic leap for the
Pakistan Navy.
President Asif Ali Zardari graced the event as chief guest while Chief of
the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf stood alongside.
This induction signals a new chapter in Pakistan’s maritime security
posture.
Hangor-class submarines come armed with state-of-the-art weapons and
advanced sensors.
Their Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system allows extended underwater
operations without surfacing.
Experts note this stealth feature drastically reduces detection risk
compared to conventional diesel-electric boats.
PNS Hangor measures approximately 76 meters in length with a submerged
displacement of around 2,800 tons.
It reaches speeds up to 20 knots and features a crew complement of about 36
personnel.
The submarine boasts six 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching heavy
torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles.
Reports indicate compatibility with Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise
missiles carrying both conventional and strategic warheads.
Such capabilities position the vessel as a formidable deterrent across
vital sea lanes.
Pakistan ordered eight Hangor-class submarines under a major deal with
China valued around $5 billion.
Four units are being built in China while the remaining four will be
constructed at Karachi Shipyard with technology transfer.
This arrangement strengthens indigenous shipbuilding expertise and
long-term self-reliance.
The first batch is expected to enter full active service throughout 2026
with the complete fleet operational by 2028.
Currently, the Pakistan Navy operates three Agosta-90B AIP submarines and
two older Agosta-70 vessels.
The arrival of Hangor-class platforms will significantly expand underwater
endurance and striking power.
President Zardari described the commissioning as a historic milestone in
Pakistan Navy’s modernization drive.
He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to maintaining a robust, balanced,
and credible defence posture.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the submarines’ role in securing Sea
Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
These vessels will help preserve maritime order and stability across the
wider region.
Advanced stealth design combined with modern sensors makes Hangor-class
platforms highly effective for area denial missions.
They can remain submerged for weeks using Stirling AIP technology,
minimizing acoustic signatures.
This quiet operation gives Pakistan Navy a strategic edge in monitoring and
responding to potential threats.
The program reflects deepening defence cooperation between Pakistan and
China.
Senior officials from both navies attended the Sanya ceremony, underscoring
strong bilateral ties.
Hangor-class submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression
against Pakistan’s maritime interests.
Their cruise missile capability extends reach far beyond traditional
torpedo ranges.
In potential conflict scenarios, these assets can target surface fleets
from safe standoff distances.
Pakistan Navy envisions a future fleet of 50 ships, with submarines forming
a critical component of sea denial strategy.
The Hangor induction accelerates this vision and bolsters overall maritime
domain awareness.
Regional dynamics in the Indian Ocean demand enhanced underwater
capabilities for balanced power projection.
Pakistan’s focus remains firmly on defensive deterrence and protection of
trade routes.
SLOCs in the Arabian Sea carry billions of dollars in annual shipping
traffic vital to Pakistan’s economy.
Securing these routes ensures uninterrupted energy supplies and commercial
flows.
Hangor submarines enhance the Navy’s ability to patrol vast ocean areas
with minimal vulnerability.
Their modular construction and advanced steel hulls provide durability in
demanding operational environments.
Integration of Chinese-origin systems with Pakistani operational doctrine
creates a potent hybrid platform.
Training of Pakistani crews has already progressed alongside the
construction timeline.
Full operational readiness will follow rigorous sea trials and weapon
system certifications.
Future Hangor vessels will incorporate further refinements based on initial
feedback from PNS Hangor.
This iterative approach ensures continuous improvement in performance and
reliability.
The commissioning ceremony in Sanya drew attention from defence observers
worldwide.
It demonstrates Pakistan’s steady progress toward a modern,
technology-driven naval force.
President Zardari’s presence during his China visit also advanced broader
economic cooperation initiatives.
Yet the submarine event stood out as a clear symbol of str