Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine has arrived in Karachi, where naval personnel and senior officers welcomed the vessel in a ceremonial reception.
The submarine, PNS/M Hangor, received a traditional naval welcome upon its arrival. Senior Pakistan Navy officers, service members and families of the crew attended the ceremony, while cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a ceremonial salute.
According to the Pakistan Navy, PN Z9EC helicopters conducted a fly-past to honour the submarine’s arrival.
A reception ceremony was later held at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard. Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended the event as the chief guest.
PNS/M Hangor is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth capabilities. These features are designed to improve the Navy’s operational effectiveness and underwater warfare capabilities.
The arrival of the submarine marks an important step in Pakistan Navy’s modernisation efforts and highlights the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and China.
The Pakistan Navy formally commissioned PNS/M Hangor in April during a ceremony in Sanya, China. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the event as the chief guest, while Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf was also present.
Officials described the commissioning as a major milestone in Pakistan-China defence cooperation and a significant achievement in the Navy’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme.
At the commissioning ceremony, President Zardari called the submarine’s induction a historic step towards strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence and protecting the country’s sovereignty and economic interests.
Admiral Naveed Ashraf noted the changing maritime security environment and emphasised the importance of advanced naval capabilities. He said the new submarines would play a key role in securing vital sea lines of communication.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir also congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on the achievement.
