Islamabad/Wuhan, December 17, 2025: The Pakistan Navy on Wednesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, named Ghazi, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
In a statement, the military’s media wing described the launch as “another significant milestone” for the Pakistan Navy, adding that all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China are currently undergoing “rigorous sea trials” and are in the final stages of handover to Pakistan.
The ISPR said Pakistan had signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines. Under the deal, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.
According to the statement, the submarines will be equipped with advanced weaponry and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. “Hangor-class submarines will be pivotal in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” the ISPR said.
The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Pakistan and China, reflecting the growing defence and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The Pakistan Navy launched the first submarine of the class in April 2024, followed by the second and third on March 15 and August 15 this year, respectively.
Named after the historic PNS Hangor, the Hangor-class is a diesel-electric attack submarine featuring air-independent propulsion technology, enabling it to operate for extended periods without surfacing.
During the 1971 Pakistan-India war, PNS Hangor made history by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, when it torpedoed an Indian frigate. The submarine was later decommissioned and is now displayed at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.
