Islamabad, September 27,2026: Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has successfully conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.
According to the military’s media wing, the submarine launched an anti-ship cruise missile during the firing exercise, successfully engaging the designated target with precision at an extended range.
Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and appreciated the combat capabilities demonstrated by PNS/M Hangor.
The naval chief emphasised the continued enhancement of Pakistan Navy’s subsurface warfare capabilities to ensure operational readiness and maintain credible deterrence at sea.
PNS/M Hangor is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines being acquired by Pakistan from China under the Pakistan Navy’s fleet modernisation programme.
The submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features, according to the Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR).
PNS/M Hangor was commissioned in April 2026 at a ceremony in Sanya, China, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Admiral Naveed Ashraf. The submarine subsequently arrived in Karachi in June, marking its induction into the Pakistan Navy’s operational fleet.
The induction of the Hangor-class submarines is part of Pakistan-China defence cooperation and Pakistan Navy’s efforts to strengthen its undersea warfare capabilities.
