Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China, the military’s media wing said on Thursday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as chief guest, while Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from Pakistan Navy and China’s PLA Navy were also present at the ceremony.
President Zardari described the commissioning of HANGOR as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy's modernization, affirming Pakistan's resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.
He stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.
The Naval Chief highlighted that disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security, and maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order demands technologically advanced naval forces.
He stated that HANGOR Class Submarines - armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors and Air Independent Propulsion - will be key in preserving maritime order and stability in the region.
These submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring security of vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.
“The name HANGOR holds a significant place in our national history. In 1971, earlier HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. PNS/M HANGOR will carry this illustrious legacy forward as this is an important milestone for Pakistan Navy that will bolster our maritime defence and modernize our fleet with cutting-edge technology,” the Naval Chief reiterated.
The commissioning of 1st HANGOR Class Submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Pakistan Navy and PLA (Navy).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have congratulated the entire nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving this historic milestone.