Prime Minister Shehbaz and CDF Munir congratulate the entire nation and Pakistan Navy for achieving this historic milestone.
Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China. PHOTO: ISPR
The commissioning ceremony of Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, took place on Thursday in Sanya, China. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf to commemorate this important milestone for the Pakistan Navy, the army’s media wing said.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “President Zardari described the commissioning of Hangor as a historic milestone in the modernization of Pakistan Navy, affirming Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a strong, balanced and credible defense posture.”
“He affirmed that 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 choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security. He stated that maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order required technologically advanced naval forces.
The commissioning ceremony of the first HANGOR-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, was held in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari attended 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 critical role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital sea lines of communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region,” he said.
The ISPR statement further noted that the naval chief reiterated the importance of the name Hangor in the national history of Pakistan.
“In 1971, the erstwhile Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. The PNS Hangor will carry forward this illustrious legacy. This is a major milestone for the Pakistan Navy that will strengthen our maritime defense and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology,” he said.
Read more: Pakistan to receive Chinese Hangor-class submarines in 2026
The statement also said that the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine marks another chapter in the enriching and time-tested 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)).
“The Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy for achieving this historic milestone,” the statement concluded.
