Pakistan has officially commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNS Hangor, during a ceremony held in the Chinese city of Sanya. The event was attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, alongside Chinese officials. This marks a significant step in Pakistan's naval modernization program.
Agreement with China
Pakistan signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines, a new fleet of Chinese-built diesel-electric attack submarines. Under this agreement, four submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd. These submarines are expected to enhance Pakistan's maritime defense capabilities.
Strategic Importance
According to the Pakistan military's media wing, the Hangor-class submarines will play a pivotal role in deterring aggression and ensuring the security of vital Sea Lines of Communication across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region. The submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and air-independent propulsion systems.
Presidential Remarks
President Asif Ali Zardari described the commissioning of PNS Hangor as a historic milestone in the Pakistan Navy's modernization. He affirmed Pakistan's resolve to maintain a robust, balanced, and credible defense posture. Zardari stated that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.
Naval Chief's Perspective
Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted that disruptions at key maritime choke points are threatening global trade and energy security. He emphasized the need for technologically advanced navies to uphold a rules-based maritime order. Ashraf noted that the Hangor-class submarines will be key to preserving maritime order and regional stability.
Historical Significance
The name Hangor holds a significant place in Pakistan's maritime history. It was the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship during the 1971 conflict. The new submarine, PNS Hangor, will carry forward this illustrious legacy, bolstering Pakistan's maritime defense and modernizing its fleet with cutting-edge technology.
Pakistan-China Defense Ties
Islamabad has long been Beijing's top arms customer. Over the 2020-2024 period, Pakistan bought over 60 percent of China's weapons exports, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan, having pledged over $65 billion in investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative.
