Rawalpindi: Pakistan on Wednesday launched the fourth Hangor-class submarine being built for its navy at a shipyard in China, marking a key step forward in a major naval modernization program being carried out in partnership with Beijing, ISPR said.
The submarine, named Ghazi, was launched at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan. With the launch, all four submarines currently under construction in China have now entered the sea trials phase and are in the final stages before being handed over to Pakistan.
Milestone in Pakistan-China naval cooperation
The Hangor-class program stems from an agreement between the governments of Pakistan and China for the acquisition of eight advanced diesel-electric submarines. Under the deal, four vessels are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited under a transfer-of-technology arrangement.
Officials said the program aims to strengthen Pakistan’s indigenous shipbuilding capacity while deepening long-term defense cooperation between the two countries.
Advanced capabilities highlighted
According to the Pakistan Navy, the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensor systems capable of engaging targets at extended standoff ranges.
As a result, naval officials said the submarines will play a pivotal role in enhancing maritime deterrence and contributing to peace and stability in the region.
Senior officials attend launch ceremony
Senior military and government officials from Pakistan and China attended the launching ceremony in Wuhan, underscoring the growing strategic and defense ties between the two countries.
The launch comes as Pakistan continues to modernize its naval fleet amid evolving regional security dynamics, with the Hangor-class submarines expected to form a central pillar of its undersea warfare capability.
