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Pakistan commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China, boosting maritime defence

By The South Asia Times

BEIJING — Pakistan significantly bolstered its maritime defence capabilities on Thursday with the commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China.

President Asif Ali Zardari graced the occasion as the chief guest, with Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf also in attendance. Describing the event as a “historic milestone” in the Pakistan Navy’s modernization, President Zardari affirmed Pakistan’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced, and credible defence posture.

“Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines,” the president stated.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the growing threats to global trade and energy security posed by disruptions at critical maritime choke points. He emphasized that maintaining a stable, rule-based maritime order requires technologically advanced naval forces.

The Hangor-class submarines are armed with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), which allows them to remain submerged for extended periods. Admiral Ashraf noted that these submarines will play a pivotal 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.

The naval chief also recalled the illustrious legacy of the name Hangor. In 1971, the previous PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship — the Indian frigate INS Khukri.

“PNS/M Hangor will carry this illustrious legacy forward,” Admiral Ashraf said, calling the commissioning an important milestone for the Pakistan Navy that will bolster maritime defence and modernize the fleet with cutting-edge technology.

The commissioning marks another chapter in the deepening Pakistan-China strategic partnership. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on achieving the historic milestone.

Pakistan commissions first Hangor-class submarine in China, boosting maritime defence

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