Pakistan Navy Commissions First Hangor-Class Attack Submarine in China
Pakistan Navy on Thursday commissioned its first Hangor-class attack submarine in a ceremony held in China, marking a landmark moment in the country's naval modernisation drive. The commissioning ceremony was attended by senior naval officials and marks the induction of the first of what is expected to be a new generation of advanced underwater combat platforms for the fleet.
President Asif Zardari, in a statement following the ceremony, described the induction as a historic milestone in Pakistan Navy's long-term modernisation agenda. The Hangor-class submarines represent a significant upgrade in Pakistan's underwater warfare capabilities and are expected to substantially alter the operational calculus in the region's maritime domain.
The submarine was constructed under a bilateral defence cooperation framework with China, with the Hangor programme being widely regarded as one of the most consequential naval acquisitions in Pakistan's recent history. Procurement of additional submarines under the same class is understood to be part of the broader defence roadmap.
The commissioning reinforces Pakistan's strategic maritime posture at a time of heightened regional tensions and underscores the depth of the Pakistan-China defence partnership. Analysts note that the addition of capable attack submarines materially strengthens Pakistan's deterrence at sea and expands the operational reach of its naval forces.
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