KARACHI: Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine has arrived in Karachi, marking a major milestone in the country’s naval modernisation programme under a strategic defence partnership with China.
The submarine is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines that Pakistan Navy is set to receive under the defence deal to enhance the Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities and maritime deterrence.
⚡🇨🇳🇵🇰 Pakistan’s first Hangor class submarine has arrived in Karachi.
Pakistan is set to receive a total of 8 Hangor class submarines under its deal with China, with 4 built in China and 4 assembled in Pakistan, significantly enhancing the Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare… pic.twitter.com/3FPRKcPNFT
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) June 11, 2026
The submarine was accorded a traditional naval welcome attended by senior naval officers, families of the crew, and Pakistan Navy personnel.
Cadets of Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute to the incoming submarine and its crew, accompanied by a fly-past by PN Z9EC helicopters.
Upon arrival, a reception ceremony was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Commander Pakistan Fleet, Vice Admiral Abdul Munib, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
PNS/M HANGOR is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, which will augment Pakistan Navy’s combat capability.
The arrival of PNS/M HANGOR marks a transformative step towards Pakistan Navy’s modernisation and reflects the strong strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Under the defence partnership with China, four of the submarines will be built in China, and four will be assembled in Pakistan, significantly enhancing the Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare and deterrence capabilities.
پاکستان کے بحری دفاع میں اہم سنگ میل۔۔۔
پاک بحریہ کی پہلی ہنگور کلاس آبدوز۔۔ پی این ایس ایم ہنگور
چین میں تیار ہونیوالی پاک بحریہ کی پہلی ہنگور کلاس آبدوز پی این ایس/ایم ہنگور کراچی پہنچ گئی
آبدوز بحری قوت، دفاعی خود اعتمادی اور جدید عسکری صلاحیتوں کی نئی علامت ہے
پاکستان کے… pic.twitter.com/NiGkOuo9l8— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 11, 2026
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the inclusion of PNS/M Hangor submarine in its fleet.
Describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities, President Zardari thanked the Government and people of China for their valued cooperation.
The President said the Hangor programme reflects the enduring Pakistan-China strategic partnership.
President Zardari said PNS/M Hangor will play an important role in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests and naval borders.
صدر آصف علی زرداری کی آبدوز پی این ایس/ایم ہنگور کی پاکستان آمد پر پاک بحریہ کو مبارکباد
پی این ایس/ایم ہنگور کی آمد پاک بحریہ کی دفاعی صلاحیتوں میں اہم اضافہ ہے: صدر زرداری
ہنگور آبدوز کا منصوبہ پاکستان اور چین کی پائیدار اور آزمودہ دوستی کا مظہر ہے: صدر
چین کی حکومت اور عوام…
— PPP (@MediaCellPPP) June 11, 2026
The President said that the Hangor project reflects the strong strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China in the defence sector.
Pakistan is committed to strengthening its defence capabilities along with promoting peace, stability, and balance in the region, President Zardari said.
