The Pakistan Navy has completed an anti-ship cruise missile launch from its first Hangor-class attack submarine during the vessel’s maiden live-fire test in the North Arabian Sea.
The PNS Hangor accurately engaged a long-range maritime surface target, validating its weapon integration and operational readiness less than three months after its arrival at Karachi Port.
It was commissioned in April in Sanya, China, before sailing to Pakistan in June to join the operational fleet.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the trial at sea and commended the execution, noting that the milestone underscores sub-surface fleet upgrade and remains critical to “operational readiness and a credible deterrence posture at sea.”
“The successful Live Weapon Firing reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s resolve to maintain a modern, combat-ready and technologically capable force for the defence of Pakistan’s maritime frontiers and preservation of peace and stability in the region,” the Pakistan Navy stated.
Eight Submarines Planned
The test marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s 2015 agreement with Beijing’s state-owned China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines.
Half of the fleet are now at various stages of development in China, while the remaining vessels are being constructed at Islamabad’s government enterprise Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works under a technology-transfer agreement.
Deliveries under the program are scheduled to continue through 2028.
The Pakistan Navy’s Hangor Submarine
Built by China’s Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, the Hangor system utilizes four CHD620 diesel engines paired with air-independent propulsion and acoustic stealth to maximize submerged endurance.
Its hull spans 76 meters (249 feet) in length and is built with an 8-meter (26-foot) beam.
The ship can accommodate up to 40 people and admit additional special operations personnel for covert missions.
Alongside the anti-ship missiles showcased at the recent demonstration, the Hangor can deploy strategic cruise missiles as well as heavyweight anti-surface and anti-submarine torpedoes through its six 533mm bow tubes.
The vessel can move at speeds up to 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour), cover up to 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 kilometers/11,508 miles), and remain underwater for up to three weeks.