Pakistan's First Hangor-Class Submarine Conducts Maiden Missile Strike in Arabian Sea

Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, has carried out its first live weapon-firing exercise in the Arabian Sea, marking a significant step in the vessel’s operational deployment. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the submarine fired an anti-ship cruise missile and successfully struck a designated target located at extended range during the exercise. Pakistan’s military media wing described the firing as a demonstration of the submarine’s operational preparedness and combat capabilities.

The exercise was witnessed by Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf. He highlighted the significance of the test for the country’s underwater warfare capabilities and said the development would contribute to Pakistan’s broader maritime deterrence efforts. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership following the reported successful engagement. A statement from his office said the exercise demonstrated the readiness and combat potential of Pakistan’s submarine force.

PNS/M HANGOR was built in China as part of a defence cooperation agreement between Islamabad and Beijing. The submarine was formally commissioned in Sanya, China, in April before arriving in Karachi in June to join the Pakistan Navy. The vessel is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines being acquired as part of Pakistan’s ongoing naval modernisation programme. Four of the submarines are being constructed in China, while the other four are scheduled to be built in Pakistan.

The Hangor-class boats feature modern combat-management systems, advanced sensors, stealth technologies and air-independent propulsion (AIP). The AIP system is designed to allow a conventionally powered submarine to remain underwater for longer periods without needing to surface or regularly use its snorkel to recharge batteries. The design is based on China’s S26 export submarine, which is associated with the Yuan-class family. The vessels are intended to enhance Pakistan's capabilities in areas such as covert surveillance, anti-ship warfare and sea-denial operations.

Pakistan has not publicly identified the missile fired during the latest exercise, nor has it released the weapon’s official range or detailed information about the target. Some reports have associated the Hangor-class submarine with missiles from China’s YJ-18 family, but Pakistan has not officially confirmed that the weapon used in this particular firing belonged to that series. The latest exercise comes as Pakistan continues efforts to expand and modernise its underwater fleet. The Pakistan Navy said the successful firing reflects its focus on maintaining a technologically advanced and operationally ready force capable of safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.