Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine has successfully carried out its maiden live weapon firing in the Arabian Sea, with the newly inducted vessel striking a designated long-range target using an anti-ship cruise missile, according to the military.
The submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, reached Karachi in June after being constructed in China under a mutual agreement between the two countries.
The Pakistan Army said the firing exercise represented a major demonstration of the submarine’s operational readiness. According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, PNS/M HANGOR accurately engaged the designated long-range target during the exercise.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities. He also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening underwater capabilities as part of Pakistan’s maritime deterrence.
ISPR said the successful firing reflected the Pakistan Navy’s stated commitment to maintaining a modern and combat-ready force aimed at protecting the country’s maritime frontiers and supporting regional peace.
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, Sharif said the submarine’s successful engagement of a long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile demonstrated the operational readiness, professional expertise and combat capability of Pakistan’s submarine force.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s armed forces remain prepared to address national security challenges.
Pakistan Navy is scheduled to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. The vessels are equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features.