Pakistan commissioned its first Hangor-class attack submarine, the PNS Hangor, in Sanya, China, on April 30, 2026 [1].

The induction of this vessel represents a critical modernization of Pakistan's under-sea warfare capacity. By integrating advanced Chinese technology, the navy aims to shift its maritime strategy to better navigate regional security dynamics and enhance its deterrent capabilities.

President Asif Ali Zardari attended the commissioning ceremony in Sanya [2]. The event marked the first delivery of a series of vessels designed to provide the Pakistan Navy with a more potent underwater strike capability. Officials said the new class of submarines is a game-changer for the country's naval operations [3].

The PNS Hangor is the first of several planned additions to the fleet. According to available reports, eight Hangor-class submarines are expected to be in service by 2028 [4]. This expansion is intended to provide a comprehensive upgrade to the navy's existing fleet, allowing for longer endurance, and more sophisticated surveillance and attack options.

The strategic partnership between Pakistan and China continues to define the region's naval architecture. The procurement of these submarines focuses on enhancing under-sea warfare capacity to ensure a balance of power in the Indian Ocean [5].

This acquisition follows a broader trend of Pakistan seeking high-tech military hardware to modernize its defense infrastructure. The deployment of these vessels is expected to alter the tactical landscape of maritime security in the region, specifically regarding the ability to monitor and contest undersea corridors [5].

“The PNS Hangor was commissioned in Sanya on April 30, 2026.”

The commissioning of the PNS Hangor signifies a deepening military alliance between Pakistan and China. By expanding its submarine fleet to eight vessels by 2028, Pakistan is actively seeking to offset the naval capabilities of regional rivals, particularly India. This move likely triggers a renewed undersea arms race in the Indian Ocean, as the increased stealth and strike capabilities of the Hangor-class force neighboring navies to invest more heavily in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) technology.