Islamabad – The Pakistan Navy has completed a significant milestone in defense with its fourth Hangor-class submarine, Ghazi, being launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced the launch on Wednesday, describing it as a significant step in strengthening the nation’s maritime security.
The Ghazi is a component of a greater deal between Pakistan and China to purchase eight Hangor-class submarines. In this contract, four of them are being constructed in China, with the remaining four to be constructed in Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) in Pakistan as a result of a transfer of technology.
Advanced Technology and Regional Stability
These are much more advanced submarines than the previous ones. They have advanced weaponry and sensors to attack their targets at a long distance.
It is important to note that the Hangor-class boasts air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, a very important upgrade that enables diesel-electric submarines to spend far longer periods underwater without the need to re-surface to breathe air.
According to the ISPR, the vessels will play a crucial role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. Senior officials of both countries attended the ceremony of launching the project, which indicated the close bilateral and military partnership between China and Pakistan.
Honouring a Heroic Legacy
The naming of the submarine type has a rich historical context. It is named after the historical submarine PNS Hangor that was used in the war of 1971. It was the first submarine to sink an enemy warship since World War II when the original Hangor successfully attacked a frigate off India. That historic ship is today preserved at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi.
Between April 2024 and August 2025, the first three submarines of this new class were introduced.
The Navy claimed that the four Chinese-built vessels were all in vigorous sea trials and were in the last stages of being delivered to Pakistan to start their active operations.
