Pakistan has inducted its first Hangor-class submarine into the navy. The commissioning took place at China's Sanya port, with President Asif Ali Zardari as the chief guest. It forms part of a deal with China for a total of eight such submarines.
Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine at China's Sanya port on April 30, 2026. President Asif Ali Zardari described it as a 'historic moment' for the navy. He stated, "It shows that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its maritime borders, securing its economic interests, and protecting its sovereignty."
Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf said threats to key sea lanes are rising. He added, "These submarines will help maintain stability in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean." Pakistan's military called it another chapter in the deep friendship between the two countries.
The submarine is part of a China-Pakistan defense deal for eight Hangor-class vessels. It is named after the submarine that sank an Indian warship in the 1971 war.
