Pakistan Navy’s fourth Hangor-class submarine, PNS Ghazi, has been launched in Wuhan, China, marking a major milestone in the country’s eight-submarine programme with Chinese cooperation.
Ghazi Launch Marks Key Milestone in Hangor Programme
The Pakistan Navy has reached another major milestone in its submarine modernisation drive with the launch of its fourth Hangor-class submarine, named Ghazi. The vessel was formally launched at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, in a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the ISPR, all four submarines being built in China under the current programme are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan. The launch of Ghazi brings the navy a step closer to inducting a new generation of advanced conventional submarines into its fleet, significantly boosting its underwater warfare capability.
Eight-Submarine Deal with China and Technology Transfer
Under a major defence agreement signed between Pakistan and China, the Government of Pakistan has ordered a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. Four of these boats are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be built at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.
The deal is one of the largest defence industrial projects in Pakistan’s history and is seen as a key step towards self-reliance in naval shipbuilding. By producing half of the submarines locally, Pakistan aims to develop a stronger domestic industrial base, create highly skilled jobs and build long-term capacity for maintaining and upgrading its underwater fleet.
The launch of Ghazi and the ongoing work at KS&EW also reflect the depth of Pakistan–China defence cooperation, which has expanded from aircraft and surface ships into more complex submarine technology.
Advanced Capabilities and Air-Independent Propulsion
The ISPR has stated that the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapon systems and sensors capable of engaging targets at standoff ranges. While specific details remain classified, the class is known to be a diesel-electric attack submarine fitted with air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology.
AIP allows conventional submarines to operate submerged for much longer periods without needing to surface frequently to recharge batteries. This greatly improves their stealth and endurance, making them harder to detect and track. With these features, the Hangor-class boats are expected to play a central role in Pakistan’s ability to monitor sea lanes, protect its coastline and deter potential adversaries.
The navy has emphasised that the new submarines will be crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the region by providing a credible undersea deterrent and strengthening overall maritime security.
Launch Timeline and Fleet Modernisation
The launch of Ghazi follows a steady rollout of the new submarines over the past two years. The first Hangor-class submarine was launched in April 2024, while the second and third boats were launched on 15 March and 15 August 2025, respectively.
With all four China-built units now in the water and undergoing sea trials, attention is gradually shifting to the construction of the remaining four submarines at Karachi Shipyard. Once the full fleet of eight is commissioned, the Pakistan Navy will field one of the more modern conventional submarine forces in the region.
This modernisation is part of a wider effort to upgrade Pakistan’s maritime capabilities, including new frigates, patrol vessels and surveillance systems to protect sea lines of communication, ports and offshore economic interests.
Honouring the Legacy of PNS Hangor
The Hangor-class takes its name from the legendary PNS Hangor, a diesel-electric submarine that holds a special place in Pakistan’s naval history. During the 1971 Pakistan–India war, PNS Hangor became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, when it torpedoed and sank an Indian Navy frigate.
After years of service, the original Hangor was decommissioned and is now preserved as a museum exhibit at the Pakistan Maritime Museum in Karachi. By naming the new class after Hangor and christening the latest boat Ghazi, the navy is paying tribute to its past heroes while looking ahead to a more technologically advanced future.
For Pakistan, the launch of Ghazi symbolises both continuity and renewal: honouring a storied legacy of submarine operations and signalling that the navy is preparing for new challenges in an increasingly contested maritime environment.
