Pakistan Navy’s Fourth Hangor-Class Submarine Rolled Out by Chinese Shipyard

Pakistan Navy Launches Fourth Hangor-Class Submarine ‘Ghazi’ in China

The Pakistan Navy’s fourth Hangor-class submarine, named PNS Ghazi, was officially launched at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday.

Terming the launch a major milestone, the ISPR said that all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China are currently undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of transfer to Pakistan.

According to the military’s media wing, the Government of Pakistan signed a strategic agreement with China for the acquisition of eight advanced Hangor-class submarines to modernise the Pakistan Navy’s underwater fleet. Under the deal, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.

The ISPR added that the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons systems and advanced sensors, enabling them to engage targets at extended standoff ranges.

“These submarines will play a pivotal role in maintaining maritime security, peace and stability in the region,” the statement said. The launch ceremony was attended by senior Pakistani and Chinese officials, reflecting the deepening defence and strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The Pakistan Navy launched the first Hangor-class submarine in April 2024, followed by the second and third launches on March 15 and August 15, respectively, this year.

The Hangor-class is a diesel-electric attack submarine featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, which significantly enhances underwater endurance and operational range without frequent resurfacing.

The class is named after the historic PNS Hangor, which achieved global recognition during the 1971 Pakistan-India war by becoming the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, an Indian frigate. Following its decommissioning, the original Hangor is now preserved at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.