ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Navy on Wednesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
Terming the development another “significant milestone”, the ISPR said all four submarines being constructed in China are currently undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of handover to Pakistan.
According to the military’s media wing, Pakistan signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines, under which four are being built in China while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under a transfer of technology arrangement.
The ISPR said the submarines will be equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges, adding that the Hangor-class fleet would play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Senior officials from Pakistan and China attended the launch ceremony, reflecting the growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The first Hangor-class submarine was launched in April 2024, followed by the second and third on March 15 and August 15 this year, respectively.
The Hangor-class is a diesel-electric attack submarine equipped with air-independent propulsion technology, enabling it to operate underwater for extended durations.
The class is named after PNS Hangor, which made history during the 1971 Pakistan-India war by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship. The submarine was later decommissioned and is now displayed at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.
