Pakistan Navy's Hangor-class submarine conducts maiden live weapon firing: ISPR

KARACHI (Dunya News) - Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M HANGOR, has successfully carried out its first live weapon firing in the Arabian Sea, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said on Sunday.

According to ISPR, the submarine successfully engaged a designated long-range target using an anti-ship cruise missile during the exercise.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and commended the submarine’s combat capabilities. He also highlighted the strategic importance of strengthening Pakistan’s underwater warfare capabilities to support maritime deterrence.

ISPR described the exercise as a significant demonstration of the submarine’s operational readiness, saying the milestone reflected the Pakistan Navy’s focus on maintaining a modern and combat-ready force to protect the country’s maritime interests.

The PNS/M HANGOR arrived at Karachi Port in June following its induction into the Pakistan Navy. It is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines that Pakistan is scheduled to receive.

The submarines are equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth capabilities, according to the report.

The Hangor name has historical significance for the Pakistan Navy. The original PNS Hangor played a notable role during the 1971 Pakistan-India war, when it sank the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri.

The first submarine of the new Hangor class was launched in China in April 2024, while three subsequent submarines were launched in March, August and December 2025.

The Pakistan Navy has also conducted several recent weapons tests. In April, it tested the indigenously developed Taimoor anti-ship weapon system and a locally developed anti-ship ballistic missile. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has conducted test launches of the Fatah-IV and Fateh-II cruise missiles in recent months.