The Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Hangor, has arrived in Karachi and was given a traditional and ceremonial welcome at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard.

Senior naval officers, personnel, and families of the crew attended the reception ceremony, while cadets from the Pakistan Naval Academy presented a formal salute.A fly-past was conducted by PN Z9EC helicopters in honour of the submarine, highlighting the significance of the occasion.Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Abdul Munib attended the event as the chief guest.

According to the Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR), the submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, and enhanced stealth features, making it a key addition to Pakistan Navy’s modernisation efforts.

The arrival of the submarine marks an important milestone in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities and reflects growing strategic defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The submarine had earlier been commissioned in Sanya, China in April, in a ceremony attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.That commissioning was described as a major step in Pakistan-China defence ties and Pakistan’s naval modernisation programme.

Officials highlighted that the Hangor-class submarines will play a critical role in safeguarding sea lines of communication and addressing evolving maritime security challenges.

Senior leadership, including the Prime Minister and top military commanders, congratulated the Pakistan Navy on this achievement, terming it a significant boost to the country’s naval strength and defence preparedness.