ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, “Ghazi,” at the Shuangliu Base in China’s Wuhan, the official statement said, marking another milestone in the Pakistan Navy’s submarine modernization program.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the launch reflects steady progress on the bilateral submarine project between Pakistan and China.
“The Pakistan Navy has achieved a major milestone as all four submarines being constructed in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of handover to Pakistan,” the ISPR said.
The military’s media wing said the submarine program is being executed under an agreement signed between the governments of Pakistan and China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines.
“Under this contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited under Transfer of Technology,” the statement added.
According to the ISPR, the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets from standoff ranges.
It said submarines would play a “key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Senior officials from Pakistan and China attended the launching ceremony, underscoring the “deepening bilateral cooperation” between the two countries in the defense sector.
The Hangor-class project is a central component of the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to enhance its undersea warfare capabilities and strengthen maritime security.
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