Historic Commissioning Ceremony of PNS/M HANGOR Submarine in China

The commissioning ceremony for Pakistan’s 1st HANGOR Class Submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, took place in Sanya, China. The event was honored by President Asif Ali Zardari, who served as the Chief Guest, alongside Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

During the ceremony, President Zardari described the induction of the HANGOR Submarine as a landmark achievement in the modernization of Pakistan Navy. He emphasized Pakistan’s determination to uphold a robust and credible defense posture, highlighting the nation’s capability to defend its sovereignty and safeguard its maritime interests, ensuring the security of crucial economic lifelines.

Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf addressed the attendees, stressing the growing threats to global trade and energy security due to disruptions in critical maritime choke points. He noted that preserving a stable, rule-based maritime order necessitates technologically advanced naval forces. The advanced HANGOR Class Submarines, equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, sophisticated sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion, are set to play a crucial role in maintaining maritime stability and deterring aggression, particularly in the Arabian Sea and the broader Indian Ocean region.

Naval Chief emphasized the historical significance of the name HANGOR in Pakistan’s naval legacy, recalling that in 1971, the earlier HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to successfully sink a warship. The PNS/M HANGOR is expected to carry forth this remarkable legacy, marking a critical advancement for the Pakistan Navy and enhancing its maritime defense capabilities through innovative technology.

The commissioning of the HANGOR Class Submarine signifies a new chapter in the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China, with senior officials from both Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy) in attendance.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, along with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), has conveyed congratulations to the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for achieving this remarkable milestone.

Director General Public Relations (Navy)