The Pakistan Navy has launched its third Hangor Class submarine, PNS/M MANGRO (Desig), in a ceremony held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base, Wuhan, China. Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Project-2), graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Enhancing Maritime Security
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad highlighted the significance of maritime security amid evolving regional geo-strategic dynamics. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Navy is committed to defending national interests while promoting a secure and cooperative maritime environment.
Referring to the Hangor Class submarines, he emphasized that their cutting-edge weapon systems and advanced sensors will be instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability. He also commended China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC) for its dedicated efforts and expressed satisfaction over the project’s steady progress.
A Strategic Defense Collaboration
The Hangor Class submarines are an export variant of the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) Type 039B Yuan-class submarines. Pakistan formalized the purchase of eight submarines from China in April 2015. As per the agreement, four submarines are being built in China while the remaining four will be constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) program.
The original plan targeted the delivery of all eight submarines between 2022 and 2028, with the first four expected by 2022–2023 and the remaining four by 2028. However, the program experienced some delays, with the first submarine launched in 2024.
Design and Capabilities
While the Pakistan Navy has not disclosed detailed specifications regarding the Hangor Class submarines’ subsystems or weapon configurations, defense experts note similarities with CSOC’s S26 design, which features a Stirling Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. However, Pakistani officials have not publicly confirmed the propulsion system.
The Hangor Class submarines are expected to be approximately 76 meters in length with a displacement of around 2,800 tons, making them slightly shorter but heavier than the original S26 design. These attributes, coupled with advanced sensor and weapon integration, are expected to significantly bolster Pakistan’s undersea warfare capabilities.
Deepening Pakistan–China Ties
Vice Admiral Abdul Samad remarked that the Hangor Class program adds a new dimension to the enduring Pakistan–China defense partnership, reinforcing maritime cooperation between the two nations. The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and CSOC.
