First Hangor-class submarine joins PN fleet in major modernisation boost

• Ceremonial welcome held at Karachi Port with PN personnel and families in attendance

• Submarine equipped with AIP technology, advanced sensors and stealth systems

• Reception ceremony held at dockyard with Vice Admiral Abdul Munib as chief guest

 KARACHI: The first Hangor-class submarine has arrived at Karachi Port, marking a significant milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s modernisation programme and underscoring the deepening strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Navy on Thursday.

The Hangor-class submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features, significantly boosting the Navy’s operational and combat capabilities.

Upon arrival, the submarine was accorded a traditional naval welcome attended by Pakistan Navy officers and personnel, along with family members of the crew.

The first PN HANGOR Class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, arrived at Karachi and was accorded a traditional naval welcome. Cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute, accompanied by a fly past by PN Z9EC helicopters. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/0e2kGc2i4h

— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) June 11, 2026

Cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the submarine and its crew, accompanied by a fly-past by PN Z9EC helicopters, the Navy said.

A reception ceremony was later held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard, where Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended as the chief guest.

The name Hangor carries historic significance in Pakistan’s naval legacy, referring to the 1971 war, during which then-PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, destroying the Indian frigate INS Khukri.

The Pakistan Navy is set to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. The first of the series was launched in April 2024, while the second, third and fourth were launched on March 15, August 15 and December 17 in 2025, respectively.

President, PM felicitate Navy on induction of Hangor-class submarine

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif felicitated the Pakistan Navy on the induction of PNS/M Hangor into its fleet, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence capability.

In their separate messages, they appreciated the government and people of China for their continued cooperation, noting that the Hangor programme reflects the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

Equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion technology & enhanced stealth features, PNS/M HANGOR marks transformative step in PN modernization & Pak-China defence cooperation. 2/2 pic.twitter.com/JEInwBuVTp

— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) June 11, 2026

They said the submarine would play a vital role in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests and defending its sea frontiers.

Both leaders reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and strategic balance in the region while strengthening national defence capabilities.

The Prime Minister said the Hangor submarine project marks an important milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards defence self-reliance.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing all necessary resources for enhancing the operational capabilities of the armed forces in line with modern requirements.

Shehbaz Sharif also commended the Pakistan Navy, engineers and technical experts for their professionalism on the arrival of the submarine.