The newly inducted Hangor-class submarine PNS/M HANGOR has conducted its maiden live weapon-firing exercise in the Arabian Sea, successfully striking a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The submarine arrived at Karachi Port in June, marking another development in Pakistan and China’s growing defence cooperation.
The ISPR described the exercise as a major demonstration of the submarine’s operational readiness and combat capability.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the weapon-firing exercise and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities. He also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities to maintain maritime deterrence.
The ISPR said the successful firing reflected the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to maintain a modern and combat-ready force capable of protecting the country’s maritime frontiers and contributing to regional stability.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership on the submarine’s first live weapons firing.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz said the successful engagement of a long-range target demonstrated the operational readiness, professional expertise and combat capabilities of the Pakistan Navy’s submarine force.
The prime minister reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the armed forces’ preparedness to respond to national security challenges. He also praised the Chief of Naval Staff and personnel involved in the submarine’s induction and operationalisation.
Pakistan is scheduled to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. The vessels feature advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth capabilities, which are intended to strengthen the Pakistan Navy’s underwater warfare capabilities.
The name Hangor carries historical significance for the Pakistan Navy. During the 1971 Pakistan-India war, the former PNS Hangor sank the Indian frigate INS Khukri, becoming the first submarine to sink a warship since World War II.
The first submarine in the new Hangor-class series was launched in China in April 2024. The second, third and fourth submarines were subsequently launched in March, August and December 2025.
In April, the Pakistan Navy also conducted a successful test of the indigenously developed Taimoor anti-ship weapon system, according to the military’s media wing.
During the same month, the navy conducted a live firing of a locally developed anti-ship ballistic missile against an extended-range target. The ISPR described the exercise as a demonstration of the navy’s preparedness and precision-strike capabilities.
