*ISLAMABAD –* Pakistan Navy marked another milestone on Friday with thelaunch of its third Hangor-class submarine, *PNS/M Mangro (Desig)*, at aceremony held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, Wuhan, China. Thislatest development signals a major leap forward in Pakistan’s maritimedefense capabilities, especially in the backdrop of regional securitydynamics.
The Hangor-class program, under which *eight state-of-the-art submarines*are being inducted into the fleet, is widely regarded as a *strategic gamechanger* for Pakistan Navy against arch-rival India. Equipped with advancedstealth features, modern sensors, and long-range cruise missile capability,these submarines are designed to tilt the naval power balance in theArabian Sea.Cruise Missiles & Underwater Strike Power
Unlike conventional submarines, the Hangor-class has the capability tocarry and launch *submarine-launched cruise missiles (SLCMs)*, enablingPakistan to strike strategic targets on land and at sea with precision.This gives Pakistan *second-strike capability*, an essential factor innuclear deterrence against India’s expanding blue-water navy.
The integration of *Babur-3 submarine-launched cruise missile* into theseplatforms allows the Navy to project power deep inside enemy territory,while maintaining stealth under the sea. Defense analysts argue thissignificantly reduces India’s conventional advantage and adds a new layerto Pakistan’s deterrence posture.Building Naval Strength at Home
Out of the eight submarines contracted with China Shipbuilding & OffshoreInternational Company Ltd (CSOC), *four are being built in China*, while *theremaining four will be indigenously constructed* at Karachi Shipyard &Engineering Works under a *Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement*. Thisnot only enhances Pakistan Navy’s fleet but also strengthens the localdefense industry with modern submarine-building expertise.Regional Power Balance
India, which operates a larger fleet including nuclear-powered submarines,has long sought naval dominance in the Indian Ocean. However, the arrivalof Hangor-class submarines with their stealth, endurance, and strikecapabilities is set to provide Pakistan with a *credible underwaterdeterrent*.
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Speaking at the launching ceremony, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad stressed therole of these submarines in “*sustaining regional power equilibrium andensuring maritime stability*.” He added that the Hangor-class fleet willreinforce Pakistan’s commitment to defending national interests andsafeguarding vital sea lines of communication.Pakistan-China Defense Partnership
The Hangor project also symbolizes the enduring strategic partnershipbetween Pakistan and China. By collaborating on advanced naval platforms,the two countries are reinforcing their defense ties while promotingregional stability through shared maritime security interests.
Once all eight Hangor-class submarines are inducted, Pakistan Navy willpossess one of the most modern conventional submarine fleets in the region.Their ability to operate silently, evade detection, and launch cruisemissiles makes them a *true game changer* against India’s naval supremacy.
With these additions, the Arabian Sea’s strategic balance is expected totilt, ensuring that Pakistan retains a credible deterrent and the abilityto secure its maritime frontiers in the face of evolving threats.