PM Shehbaz and CDF Munir congratulate entire nation and Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone
Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, in a ceremony held in Sanya, China. PHOTO: ISPR
The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, took place in Sanya, China on Thursday. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to mark this important milestone for the Pakistan Navy, army media said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “President Zardari described the commissioning of the Hangor as a historic milestone in the modernization of the Pakistan Navy, affirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a strong, balanced and credible defense posture.”
“He said Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines,” the statement added.
Admiral Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime chokepoints increasingly threaten global trade and energy security. He said maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order required technologically advanced naval forces.
The commissioning ceremony for the 1st HANGOR-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, took place in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as the chief guest. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present at the ceremony.@PresOfPakistan@dgprPaknavy… pic.twitter.com/xvH8AsKgF9
– Pakistan Television (@PakTVGlobal) April 30, 2026
He added that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weapons, advanced sensors and air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems, would play a key role in maintaining regional maritime stability and deterring aggression.
“These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital maritime lines of communications (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,” he said.
The ISPR statement further noted that the Navy Chief reiterated the importance of the name Hangor in the national history of Pakistan.
“In 1971, the previous Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. PNS Hangor will continue this illustrious legacy. This is an important milestone for the Pakistan Navy that will strengthen our maritime defense and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology,” he said.
Learn more: Pakistan will acquire Chinese Hangor-class submarines in 2026
The statement also said that the commissioning of the first Hangor class submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials of the Pakistan Navy and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)).
“Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Force Marshal Asim Munir congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for achieving this historic milestone,” the statement concluded.
