Pakistan Navy's Hangor-class submarine conducts first live missile firing

Pakistan's navy announced that its newly inducted Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, successfully conducted its first live weapon firing, engaging a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile. The exercise was described by the army as a major demonstration of operational readiness. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine's combat power, emphasizing the strategic importance of enhancing subsurface capabilities for credible maritime deterrence.

The milestone comes roughly five months after reports emerged regarding Pakistan's acquisition of eight Chinese submarines. According to local Pakistani Dawn EN newspaper, the Hangor-class submarine arrived at Karachi Port in June, underscoring the deepening strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China. The army highlighted that the achievement reflects the Pakistan Navy's commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force to safeguard national maritime frontiers and regional peace.

The live firing exercise marks a significant step in Pakistan's efforts to bolster its naval capabilities. The Hangor-class submarines are part of a broader defense modernization program, with the cooperation between Pakistan and China seen as a key element in enhancing Pakistan's maritime security. The successful test is expected to strengthen Pakistan's subsurface warfare capabilities and contribute to regional stability.

According to Mehr News, the Pakistani army conducted the first firing from the submarine, with the event underscoring the growing defense ties between Islamabad and Beijing. The report added that the exercise was a major demonstration of operational readiness and highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing subsurface capabilities for credible maritime deterrence.