Pakistan Commissions First Chinese Attack Submarine in 'Historic Milestone'

Pakistan's Navy has achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of its first Hangor-class attack submarine, the PNS/M Hangor, a vessel built in collaboration with China. The ceremony, held in Sanya, China, marks a pivotal moment in the Pakistan Navy's modernization efforts and underscores the deepening defense ties between Pakistan and China.

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the commissioning of the submarine as a “historic milestone” in the Pakistan Navy’s modernisation

President Asif Ali Zardari, present at the event during his official visit to China, hailed the commissioning as a "historic milestone." He emphasized that this advancement reaffirms Pakistan's commitment to maintaining a robust and credible defense posture, essential for safeguarding its sovereignty, protecting maritime interests, and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines.

Naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf highlighted the increasing threats to global trade and energy security posed by disruptions at critical maritime choke points. He stressed that maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order necessitates technologically advanced naval forces. The induction of the Hangor-class submarine directly addresses this need, enhancing Pakistan's maritime capabilities and its role in regional security.

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it affirmed Islamabad’s resolve to maintain a “robust, balanced and credible defence posture” that was “fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the security of its economic lifelines”.

This development is particularly significant given the strategic importance of maritime routes for Pakistan's economy and its geopolitical position. The collaboration with China on advanced naval platforms like the Hangor-class submarine reflects a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering Pakistan's defense infrastructure and projecting its naval power in the region. The submarine's capabilities are expected to significantly enhance Pakistan's deterrence and operational effectiveness at sea.

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disruptions at critical maritime choke points increasingly threaten global trade and energy security” and that maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order “demands technologically advanced naval forces”.