The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its first China-built Hangor-class submarine, the PNS/M Hangor, following a ceremony in Sanya, Hainan Island [1, 2].
This acquisition marks a significant shift in Pakistan's maritime strategy. By integrating advanced Chinese naval technology, the country aims to strengthen its defense capabilities against regional threats and maintain a strategic balance in the Indian Ocean.
The commissioning ceremony took place in late May 2026 [2]. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the event in China, where the vessel was officially entered into service [1, 2]. Following the ceremony, the submarine traveled from China and arrived at the port in Karachi on June 12, 2026 [1].
The PNS/M Hangor is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines ordered by Pakistan [3]. This procurement is a central component of a broader naval modernization programme designed to upgrade the fleet's underwater combat and surveillance capabilities [1, 4].
While some reports indicated the commissioning occurred in early June, the primary record states the process was finalized in late May 2026 [2]. The arrival of the vessel in Karachi confirms the completion of the initial delivery phase for this class of submarine.
The partnership between Pakistan and China for these vessels reflects a growing defense cooperation between the two nations. The Hangor-class submarines are intended to provide the Pakistan Navy with enhanced stealth and strike capabilities, which are essential tools for monitoring territorial waters and deterring potential adversaries [4].
“The PNS/M Hangor is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines ordered by Pakistan.”
The delivery of the PNS/M Hangor signals a deepening military alliance between Beijing and Islamabad. By transitioning to Chinese-built submarines, Pakistan reduces its reliance on Western defense contractors and increases its underwater operational capacity. This move is likely to trigger a corresponding response from regional competitors, potentially accelerating a naval arms race in the North Arabian Sea.
