Islamabad, Apr 30: The Pakistan Navy on Thursday commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, armed with state-of-the-art weapons and advanced sensors, at a ceremony held in Sanya, China.
“The commissioning of the first Hangor-class submarine marks another chapter in the time-tested and enriching friendship between Pakistan and China,” the army said in a statement.
President Asif Ali Zardari, who is on a visit to China, attended the event as the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior officials from the Pakistan Navy and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) were also present on the occasion.
President Zardari termed the commissioning a “historic milestone” in Pakistan Navy’s modernisation, reaffirming his country’s resolve to maintain a robust, balanced and credible defence posture.
He said that Pakistan is fully capable of defending its sovereignty, protecting its maritime interests, and securing its economic lifelines.
Admiral Ashraf highlighted growing threats to global trade and energy security at key maritime choke points, stressing the need for technologically advanced naval forces to ensure a stable, rule-based maritime order.
He said the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, advanced sensors, and Air Independent Propulsion, will play a key role in maintaining maritime stability.
The naval chief added that the submarines will be vital in deterring aggression and safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) across the Arabian Sea and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir congratulated the nation and the Pakistan Navy on the achievement, the army said.
Pakistan and China enjoy close cooperation in the defence field. (PTI)
