Pakistan has formally commissioned its first Chinese-built submarine, with a ceremony held in the Chinese port city of Sanya marking the beginning of a significant expansion of Islamabad's naval capabilities amid deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the commissioning of the first of the submarines, which will be called Hangor, a name with historical resonance for the Pakistan Navy. Notably, in 1971, Pakistan's PNS HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-happened-when-pete-hegseth-was-asked-if-trump-is-mentally-stable-enough-to-be-commander-in-chief-in-pics-1777535966899">What happened when Pete Hegseth was asked if Trump is 'mentally stable enough to be commander-in-chief'? | In Pics</a><h2>How many Chinese submarines is Pakistan getting?</h2>The military statement confirming the event did not specify the total number of submarines involved or provide further technical details. However, talking to Reuters, a Pakistani government official filled in some of the gaps. The official said that the full fleet will consist of eight submarines. Four of them will be built in China and delivered directly to Pakistan, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan under a transfer-of-technology arrangement. The official added that Pakistan expects to be "in a position to offer their exports under our defence production in future".Modernising Pakistan's naval fleetAdmiral Ashraf called the Pakistan commissioning "an important milestone to bolster our maritime defence and modernise our fleet with cutting-edge technology."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/309-days-at-sea-uss-gerald-r-ford-to-leave-mideast-why-is-us-navy-s-most-advanced-carrier-abandoning-iran-blockade-and-coming-home-in-pics-1777515112350">USS Gerald R. Ford to leave Mideast; Why is US Navy’s most advanced carrier abandoning Iran blockade and coming home? | In Pics</a><h2>Hangor-class submarines capabilities</h2>Pakistani Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf noted that the Hangor-class submarines are equipped with advanced weapons systems, modern sensors, and air-independent propulsion. This, he said, would play a key role in "preserving maritime order and stability in the region" and serve as a deterrent against aggression.The submarine acquisition is the latest in a series of high-profile defence developments for Pakistan. The country has also received Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which were battle-tested for the first time during last year's armed conflict with India. Pakistan claims to have used the Chinese-made aircraft to down Indian Rafale jets during that confrontation.India has officially refuted all claims that Pakistan shot down any Rafale fighter jets. India has officially rejected Pakistan’s claims that any Rafale fighter jets were shot down. Dismissing these assertions as “disinformation” and “propaganda,” the Indian Air Force prominently flew a Rafale bearing tail number BS022 during the 26 January 2026 Republic Day parade, one of the specific jets Pakistan had claimed to have destroyed. &nbsp;

Pakistan has officially inducted its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, a major step in Beijing-Islamabad military ties. But why is it called Hangor? Hint: It's historic.

Pakistan has formally commissioned its first Chinese-built submarine, with a ceremony held in the Chinese port city of Sanya marking the beginning of a significant expansion of Islamabad's naval capabilities amid deepening defence cooperation between the two countries. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the commissioning of the first of the submarines, which will be called Hangor, a name with historical resonance for the Pakistan Navy. Notably, in 1971, Pakistan's PNS HANGOR became the first submarine since World War II to sink a warship. Also read | What happened when Pete Hegseth was asked if Trump is 'mentally stable enough to be commander-in-chief'? | In Pics How many Chinese submarines is Pakistan getting? The military statement confirming the event did not specify the total number of submarines involved or provide further technical details. However, talking to Reuters, a Pakistani government official filled in some of the gaps. The official said that the full fleet will consist of eight submarines. Four of them will be built in China and delivered directly to Pakistan, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan under a transfer-of-technology arrangement. The official added that Pakistan expects to be "in a position to offer their exports under our defence production in future". Modernising Pakistan's naval fleet Admiral Ashraf called the Pakistan commissioning "an important milestone to bolster our maritime defence and modernise our fleet with cutting-edge technology." Also read | USS Gerald R. Ford to leave Mideast; Why is US Navy’s most advanced carrier abandoning Iran blockade and coming home? | In Pics Hangor-class submarines capabilities Pakistani Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf noted that the Hangor-class submarines are equipped with advanced weapons systems, modern sensors, and air-independent propulsion. This, he said, would play a key role in "preserving maritime order and stability in the region" and serve as a deterrent against aggression. The submarine acquisition is the latest in a series of high-profile defence developments for Pakistan. The country has also received Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which were battle-tested for the first time during last year's armed conflict with India. Pakistan claims to have used the Chinese-made aircraft to down Indian Rafale jets during that confrontation. India has officially refuted all claims that Pakistan shot down any Rafale fighter jets. India has officially rejected Pakistan’s claims that any Rafale fighter jets were shot down. Dismissing these assertions as “disinformation” and “propaganda,” the Indian Air Force prominently flew a Rafale bearing tail number BS022 during the 26 January 2026 Republic Day parade, one of the specific jets Pakistan had claimed to have destroyed.

Pakistan has officially inducted its first Chinese-built Hangor-class submarine, a major step in Beijing-Islamabad military ties. But why is it called Hangor? Hint: It's historic.

Pakistan commissions Chinese submarine fleet: Why has Islamabad named its newest attack submarine Hangor?

Pakistan received the third of the eight Hangor-class submarines from China, this is Beijing’s attempt to arm Islamabad’s naval capabilities. It’s an effort by China to help support the country’s presence in India’s backyard – the Indian Ocean. On August 13, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also announced the launch of Army Rocket Force Command&nbsp;(ARFC) in an attempt to boost its military strength. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-s-in-india-china-s-fm-to-begin-2-day-india-visit-ahead-of-sco-summit-in-beijing-1755507541010/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-s-in-india-china-s-fm-to-begin-2-day-india-visit-ahead-of-sco-summit-in-beijing-1755507541010/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;The ceremony was held at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan; in attendance were top officials from both countries, who cherish their ‘iron brotherhood’. &nbsp;Pakistan’s Vice Admiral Abdul Samad was the chief guest and in his address, he stressed the significance of maritime security amid region’s current geo-strategic dynamics. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-obvious-that-it-is-meant-for-india-pakistan-launches-army-rocket-force-command-during-independence-day-celebrations-1755152841896">'Obvious that it is meant for India': Pakistan launches Army Rocket Force Command during Independence Day celebrations</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;“He reaffirmed that Pakistan Navy remains fully committed to defend national interests while fostering a secure and cooperative maritime environment. Referring to HANGOR Class Submarines, he highlighted that their cutting-edge weaponry and advanced sensors would be instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability,” Pakistan Navy mentioned in a statement. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What is the agreement between China and Pakistan?</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Pakistan government has signed a deal with China Shipbuilding &amp; Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOS). They will be acquiring eight Hangor-class submarines. According to the agreement, four of which will be built in China and the remaining four submarines will be constructed in Pakistan’s Karachi under the transfer of technology programme. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<h2> Key highlights of Hangor-class submarine:</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul><li>Cutting-edge weaponry</li><li>Advanced sensors</li><li>Estimated to be instrumental in sustaining the regional power equilibrium&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;<h2>Performance estimate:</h2>&nbsp;<ul><li>Max submerged speed: 17 nautical miles</li><li>AIP endurance: 20 days or 768 nautical miles</li><li>Mixed diesel-AIP range: 2,000 nautical miles or 65 days</li></ul>

Pakistan received the third of the eight Hangor-class submarines from China, this is Beijing’s attempt to arm Islamabad’s naval capabilities. 

Pakistan received the third of the eight Hangor-class submarines from China, this is Beijing’s attempt to arm Islamabad’s naval capabilities. It’s an effort by China to help support the country’s presence in India’s backyard – the Indian Ocean. On August 13, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had also announced the launch of Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) in an attempt to boost its military strength. https://www.wionews.com/videos/wang-yi-s-in-india-china-s-fm-to-begin-2-day-india-visit-ahead-of-sco-summit-in-beijing-1755507541010/embed The ceremony was held at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan; in attendance were top officials from both countries, who cherish their ‘iron brotherhood’. Pakistan’s Vice Admiral Abdul Samad was the chief guest and in his address, he stressed the significance of maritime security amid region’s current geo-strategic dynamics. Also read: 'Obvious that it is meant for India': Pakistan launches Army Rocket Force Command during Independence Day celebrations “He reaffirmed that Pakistan Navy remains fully committed to defend national interests while fostering a secure and cooperative maritime environment. Referring to HANGOR Class Submarines, he highlighted that their cutting-edge weaponry and advanced sensors would be instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability,” Pakistan Navy mentioned in a statement. What is the agreement between China and Pakistan? Pakistan government has signed a deal with China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOS). They will be acquiring eight Hangor-class submarines. According to the agreement, four of which will be built in China and the remaining four submarines will be constructed in Pakistan’s Karachi under the transfer of technology programme. Key highlights of Hangor-class submarine: Cutting-edge weaponry Advanced sensors Estimated to be instrumental in sustaining the regional power equilibrium Performance estimate: Max submerged speed: 17 nautical miles AIP endurance: 20 days or 768 nautical miles Mixed diesel-AIP range: 2,000 nautical miles or 65 days

Pakistan received the third of the eight Hangor-class submarines from China, this is Beijing’s attempt to arm Islamabad’s naval capabilities.&nbsp;

China delivers 3rd Hangor-class submarine to Pakistan. Here's all you need to know

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Pakistan commissions Chinese submarine fleet: Why has Islamabad named its newest attack submarine Hangor?

China delivers 3rd Hangor-class submarine to Pakistan. All you need to know