Pakistan Navy has marked a significant step in strengthening its underwater warfare capability, with the newly inducted PNS/M HANGOR successfully conducting its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea. The submarine launched an anti-ship cruise missile and struck a designated target with precision at extended range, according to Pakistan’s military. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capability, stressing the importance of stronger subsurface forces for operational readiness and credible maritime deterrence.
HANGOR is the first of eight submarines Pakistan is acquiring under its programme with China, with four being built in China and four in Pakistan. The new class features modern sensors, advanced combat systems, enhanced stealth and Air Independent Propulsion technology, allowing submarines to remain submerged for longer periods without frequently surfacing.
For Pakistan, the programme represents a major modernisation of its submarine fleet and an effort to strengthen its ability to protect maritime approaches in the Arabian Sea and maintain an effective undersea deterrent. The Hangor name also carries considerable naval history: the earlier PNS Hangor sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri during the 1971 war, becoming the first submarine since World War Two to sink an enemy warship.
The Navy has not publicly identified the missile used in the latest firing, so reports suggesting a specific missile type or range remain unconfirmed. The successful test nevertheless represents an important milestone as Pakistan moves to operationalise its new generation of Hangor-class submarines.
