Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted submarine PNS/M Hangor successfully struck a long-range target during its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea.
The Navy’s Directorate General Public Relations announced the successful exercise on Sunday, September 27. It said the firing demonstrated the submarine’s operational readiness and weapon-system capability.
Hangor launched an anti-ship cruise missile designed for precision engagement at extended ranges. The missile successfully hit its designated target, marking a significant step in bringing the submarine into full operational service.
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“The successful firing marked an important milestone in the operationalisation of PNS/M HANGOR and demonstrated the growing strength of Pakistan Navy’s subsurface warfare capabilities,” the DGPR — Navy said.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing at sea. He praised Hangor’s combat capabilities and described the successful test as an important milestone in its operationalisation.
The naval chief stressed the need to continuously strengthen subsurface warfare capabilities. He said these capabilities remained essential to operational readiness and Pakistan Navy’s deterrence at sea.
The Navy said the exercise reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready and technologically capable force. It linked that commitment to defending Pakistan’s maritime frontiers.
PM Shehbaz praises submarine force
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership on the successful maiden firing.
He said Hangor’s successful engagement of a long-range target demonstrated the submarine force’s operational preparedness, professional expertise and combat capability.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the armed forces’ readiness to meet challenges to national security.
He also commended Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the personnel involved in Hangor’s induction and operationalisation for their professional performance.
The firing follows several stages in the submarine’s entry into service, including its commissioning in China and subsequent arrival in Pakistan.
Hangor joins eight-submarine modernisation programme
Pakistan commissioned PNS/M Hangor at a ceremony in Sanya, China, on April 30, 2026. President Asif Ali Zardari attended the ceremony alongside Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
The submarine arrived in Karachi in June, joining Pakistan Navy’s operational fleet ahead of Sunday’s announcement.
Hangor is the first of eight submarines Pakistan is acquiring through its defence partnership with China. The programme forms part of the Navy’s fleet modernisation effort.
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The construction arrangement divides the eight vessels equally between the two countries. China will build four, while Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works will construct the remaining four in Pakistan.
The submarine features advanced weapons, modern sensors and air-independent propulsion technology. At the commissioning ceremony, the naval chief highlighted the class’s role in protecting vital sea routes.
He said the submarines would help deter aggression and secure maritime communications across the Arabian Sea and wider Indian Ocean.
The first submarine’s launch took place at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, in April 2024. Its maiden missile firing now marks a further milestone in the programme’s operational progress.
