The Pakistan Navy has launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, named Ghazi, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, marking a key milestone in the country’s naval modernization program, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday.
According to the ISPR, Ghazi joins three other submarines currently undergoing rigorous sea trials in China. These vessels are in the final stages of handover to Pakistan, bringing the navy closer to completing the first phase of its eight-submarine acquisition plan.
“The government of Pakistan signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines,” the ISPR said. Under the terms of this deal, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed domestically at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.
Source: AI
The Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons systems and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges. The ISPR emphasized that these submarines will play a pivotal role in maintaining regional stability and safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests.
The launch ceremony saw the presence of senior officials from both Pakistan and China, highlighting the growing bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries. The addition of Ghazi underscores Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its underwater combat capabilities while strengthening indigenous defense production.
