Pakistan Navy launches 3rd Hangor-class submarine in China

The Pakistan Navy has launched its third Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M MANGRO (Desig), at a ceremony held in China on Friday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

The development comes months after the Pakistan Navy unveiled its second Hangor-class submarine named named PNS Shushuk.

The launching ceremony of submarine PNS/M MANGRO (Desig) was held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base, Wuhan, China. Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Project-2 Vice Admiral Abdul Samad graced the occasion as chief guest, according to a Pakistan Navy statement.

While addressing the ceremony, the chief guest stressed the significance of maritime security amid region’s current geo-strategic dynamics. 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.

Commending the work of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction over progress of the project and remarked that Hangor-class submarine initiative would bring a fresh dimension to the enduring, time-honoured partnership between Pakistan and China.

The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with CSOC to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines. Under the contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme.

The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd.
 

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor