Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine arrives in Karachi

Pakistan Navy has welcomed its first Hangor-class submarine to Karachi, marking a major milestone in the country's naval modernization programme. The arrival of PNS/M Hangor highlights the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and China while significantly enhancing Pakistan’s future undersea warfare capabilities.

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12 june 2026   |   12:15   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The submarine received a traditional naval welcome attended by senior naval officers, crew families and Pakistan Navy personnel. Cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy rendered ceremonial honours, while naval helicopters conducted a fly-past over the ceremony.

Cornerstone of an ambitious submarine programme

PNS/M Hangor is the first vessel in an eight-submarine acquisition programme intended to reshape Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities over the coming decades. Four submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four are scheduled to be built domestically at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works through a technology transfer arrangement.

The programme represents one of the largest defence-industrial projects currently undertaken by Pakistan and is expected to strengthen both naval capabilities and domestic shipbuilding expertise.

Advanced capabilities beneath the surface

The Hangor class is derived from China's Yuan-class submarine family and incorporates a range of modern technologies designed to improve endurance, stealth and combat effectiveness.

One of the platform’s most important features is its Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enabling prolonged submerged operations without the need to surface frequently. The submarines are also equipped with advanced sensors, modern combat management systems and enhanced acoustic stealth characteristics.

These capabilities are expected to improve Pakistan Navy’s ability to conduct surveillance missions, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine operations across the Arabian Sea and surrounding waters.

Strategic implications for the region

Beyond its military significance, the Hangor programme reflects the deepening strategic and industrial cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad. China’s role extends beyond delivering submarines, encompassing technology transfer and support for Pakistan’s domestic naval-industrial base.

Regional analysts are closely monitoring the programme as South Asian navies continue investing in advanced underwater capabilities. The introduction of additional Hangor-class submarines is likely to influence the evolving maritime balance of power in the Indian Ocean region and further strengthen Pakistan’s naval deterrence posture.

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