The launching ceremony of the first Hangor-Class submarine made for the Pakistan Navy took place at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, Shuangliu Base at Wuhan China on April 26, 2024
Pakistan will acquire eight Hangor-Class submarines from China. Under the contract, four submarines will be built in China and the other four will be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited in Pakistan, according Pakistan Navy.
“These submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensors to target long-range targets.”
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the launch ceremony along with naval officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd.
In his speech, Admiral Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s commitment to ensuring a safe maritime. He mentioned that Hangor-class submarines, equipped with modern weaponry and sensors, will play a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
“Hangor-class submarines with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors will play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. While acknowledging the tireless efforts of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC),” Admiral Ashraf said.
The Pakistan Naval Chief also praised China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC) for their dedicated efforts and expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, emphasizing the project’s positive impact on Pakistan-China friendship.
The navy chief said that the Hangor-class S/M Project will “add a new dimension to the ever-tested Pak-China friendship and shows strong military cooperation between two countries”.
Hangor-class submarines deal
The Pakistani government signed a deal with CSOC during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines. Under this agreement, four submarines will be constructed in China, while the other four will be built in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) with the Transfer of Technology (ToT).
These submarines will be equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors to engage targets at considerable distances.
The ceremony followed Pakistan’s commencement of manufacturing the 6th Hangor-class submarine by KS&EW in February.
Pakistan’s strong military ties with China have led to various arms imports from Beijing, including the recent induction of two Chinese Type 054 A/P frigates by the Pakistan Navy last year.