BEIJING/ISLAMABAD ; The launching ceremony of Pakistan Navy’s third Hangor-class submarine, PNS-M Mangro, was held in China, marking another milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its naval fleet.
Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Projects-II), attended the event as chief guest and lauded the progress of the project. In his address, he reiterated Pakistan Navy’s firm resolve to safeguard national maritime interests and maintain a safe, secure, and cooperative environment in the Indian Ocean region. He emphasized that the induction of Hangor-class submarines would not only strengthen Pakistan’s naval defense but also play a crucial role in preserving regional stability and the balance of power.
The Vice Admiral highlighted that the project is a symbol of Pakistan-China strategic partnership, adding a fresh chapter to the long-standing defense cooperation between the two countries. He noted that such ventures reflect mutual trust, technological collaboration, and the shared vision of maritime security.
Pakistan had signed an agreement with China to acquire a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. As per the agreement, four submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) under a transfer of technology program, which will also enhance Pakistan’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
These submarines, based on advanced Chinese design, are equipped with state-of-the-art sensors, stealth features, and long-range precision strike weapons, giving them the ability to detect, track, and engage both surface and underwater targets. They will significantly boost the Pakistan Navy’s capacity to defend the country’s maritime borders, safeguard sea lines of communication, and contribute to maritime security operations in the wider Indian Ocean.
The Hangor-class project derives its name from the legendary PNS Hangor, a Daphne-class submarine of the Pakistan Navy that made history in the 1971 war by sinking the Indian Navy’s INS Khukri—the first such sinking after World War II. The new class of submarines thus carries forward that legacy of courage and operational excellence.
Officials stressed that once fully inducted, the Hangor-class fleet will not only serve as a deterrent against aggression but also further cement the defense and technological collaboration between Pakistan and China.
