First Hangor-class submarine reaches Karachi Port

KARACHI: The first Hangor-class submarine has arrived at Karachi Port, in what the Pakistan Navy described on Thursday as an important step in its modernisation programme and a sign of expanding strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.

In a statement, the Pakistan Navy said the new submarine is fitted with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and improved stealth capabilities. According to the statement, these features are expected to strengthen the navy’s operational and combat capacity.

On its arrival, the submarine was given a traditional naval reception attended by Pakistan Navy officers and personnel, along with relatives of the crew members, the statement said. The navy added that cadets of the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the submarine and its crew, while Pakistan Navy Z9EC helicopters carried out a fly-past.

A reception ceremony was later held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard to mark the occasion. Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended the event as chief guest, according to the statement.

Programme and historical significance

The name Hangor carries historical significance in Pakistan’s naval record. It refers to the role of the earlier PNS Hangor in the 1971 Pakistan-India war, when it sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri, making it the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship, according to the Pakistan Navy statement.

The navy is planning to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. It had launched the first of the new submarines in April 2024, while the second, third and fourth were launched on March 15, August 15 and December 17 in 2025, respectively, the statement said.

The arrival of the first Hangor-class submarine at Karachi Port marks the latest development in that induction programme, which the Pakistan Navy says is aimed at strengthening its capabilities through modern platforms and systems.