Hangor-class submarine Pakistan has reached an important operational milestone as Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted PNS/M HANGOR conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea.
Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted PNS/M HANGOR has conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea, marking an important operational milestone for the country’s submarine force.
According to information released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Hangor-class submarine successfully engaged a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile during the exercise. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing.
The development comes only a few months after PNS/M HANGOR arrived at Karachi Port in June 2026. The submarine is the first of a planned group of eight Hangor-class submarines being inducted into the Pakistan Navy.
First Live Weapon Firing by PNS/M HANGOR
The latest exercise demonstrated the submarine’s ability to conduct a live weapon engagement at sea. ISPR described the firing as a demonstration of operational readiness.
During the exercise, PNS/M HANGOR accurately engaged a designated long-range target using an anti-ship cruise missile. The Pakistan Navy chief observed the firing and highlighted the importance of strengthening underwater capabilities.
Unlike routine training involving simulations, a live weapon firing provides an opportunity to test operational procedures and weapon systems under actual maritime conditions.
What Is the Hangor-Class Submarine?
The Hangor-class is a new submarine programme for the Pakistan Navy. PNS/M HANGOR was commissioned in Sanya, China, in April 2026 and subsequently arrived in Karachi in June.
Pakistan’s first Hangor-class submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features, according to Pakistan’s state broadcaster.
These technologies are intended to support longer underwater operations and improve the submarine’s ability to operate while remaining difficult to detect.
Why Air Independent Propulsion Matters
One of the technologies associated with the Hangor-class is Air Independent Propulsion, commonly known as AIP.
AIP allows compatible conventional submarines to remain submerged for longer periods without relying on frequent access to atmospheric air for conventional diesel-electric operations.
Longer submerged endurance can be important for surveillance, patrols and other maritime missions. However, the exact operational performance of a particular submarine depends on its configuration, mission profile and other factors.
Pakistan Navy’s Submarine Modernisation
The introduction of the Hangor-class submarines is part of Pakistan Navy’s broader modernisation programme.
The arrival of PNS/M HANGOR at Karachi in June was described as an important milestone for the Navy’s modernisation efforts and also reflected defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Pakistan plans to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines. The programme is therefore expected to develop over several years rather than being limited to a single vessel.
What Happened During the Missile Exercise?
The latest exercise took place in the North Arabian Sea.
PNS/M HANGOR fired an anti-ship cruise missile and successfully engaged a designated long-range target. Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities.
The Pakistan Navy said the exercise demonstrated its commitment to maintaining a modern and combat-ready force capable of protecting the country’s maritime interests.
The specific technical details of the missile, including its exact range and other performance characteristics, were not provided in the official report. Therefore, claims about capabilities beyond the information officially released should be treated cautiously.
The Strategic Importance of Underwater Capabilities
Submarines can perform several maritime roles, including surveillance, patrol, intelligence gathering and deterrence.
Because submarines can operate underwater for extended periods, they can add another layer to a navy’s maritime capabilities.
For Pakistan, the Arabian Sea is particularly important because the country depends on maritime routes for trade and economic activity. Developing underwater capabilities is therefore part of the Navy’s wider focus on maritime security.
The Pakistan Navy chief described enhanced subsurface capabilities as strategically important for credible maritime deterrence. This is the Navy’s stated assessment of the programme.
A New Chapter in Pakistan’s Naval Modernisation
PNS/M HANGOR’s first live weapon firing follows its arrival and commissioning earlier in 2026.
The first submarine of the new class was launched in China in April 2024, while additional submarines in the programme were launched during 2025, according to reporting based on ISPR information.
As more vessels are inducted, the Pakistan Navy will gain experience in operating the new class as part of its submarine fleet.
Hangor Name and Pakistan’s Naval History
The name Hangor also has historical significance for the Pakistan Navy.
The earlier PNS Hangor became known for its role during the 1971 war, when it sank the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri. The name has therefore remained associated with Pakistan’s submarine history.
The new Hangor-class programme uses that historic name for a new generation of submarines equipped with modern systems and technologies.
What Comes Next?
The first live firing is one milestone in the operationalisation of PNS/M HANGOR. As additional Hangor-class submarines enter service, further training, exercises and operational integration will be important.
The Navy’s ability to effectively operate a new submarine class will depend not only on the vessels themselves but also on crew training, maintenance, logistics, sensors, weapons integration and coordination with other maritime forces.
Final Thoughts
The Hangor-class submarine Pakistan programme has reached an important stage with PNS/M HANGOR’s first live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea.
The submarine successfully engaged a designated long-range target using an anti-ship cruise missile, according to ISPR and Pakistan’s state broadcaster.
With eight Hangor-class submarines planned for induction, the programme represents a significant part of Pakistan Navy’s ongoing submarine modernisation. The latest exercise also provides an early public demonstration of the new submarine’s operational use.
As the programme progresses, future developments will show how the new submarines are integrated into Pakistan’s broader maritime security and naval operations.
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