Pakistan Commissions First Hangor-Class Submarine

Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, PNSM Hangor, on Thursday in the southern Chinese port city of Sanya, marking a significant advance in its naval modernization efforts amid deepening defense ties with China.

President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony as chief guest, joined by Navy Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and China's People's Liberation Army Navy. Zardari described the event as a historic milestone for the navy, reflecting Pakistan's commitment to a credible and balanced defense posture. "Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines," he said.

The Hangor-class submarines, believed to be based on China's Type 039A design, feature air-independent propulsion systems, advanced sensors and weapons including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. They can accommodate a crew of 38 along with special forces. Pakistan has contracted for eight of the vessels, with the first four built in China and the remaining four to be constructed at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

Admiral Ashraf emphasized the submarines' role in...