Hangor Sub Fires First Missile—Arabian Sea Tensions Rise
Pakistan’s new Hangor-class submarine hits long-range target in first live weapon test since April commissioning
Pakistan’s navy has achieved a key milestone in its submarine modernization program after its first Hangor-class vessel successfully fired an anti-ship cruise missile in the North Arabian Sea. The test, conducted on September 27, saw PNS/M Hangor strike a designated long-range target, according to a statement from the military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The exercise was overseen by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, who highlighted the significance of enhanced underwater capabilities for the country’s operational readiness and maritime deterrence. While details about the missile type, its range, and launch conditions remain undisclosed, the test confirms the submarine’s ability to engage distant targets with precision.
Strategic Implications for the Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea serves as a vital shipping route connecting the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, making it a region of strategic importance for both Pakistan and India. The successful missile launch from PNS/M Hangor introduces a new dimension to Pakistan’s naval capabilities, particularly in underwater warfare. The Hangor-class submarines, equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), advanced combat systems, and stealth features, can operate covertly for extended periods, improving Pakistan’s surveillance and strike potential in contested waters.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the navy on the achievement, describing it as evidence of the submarine force’s “readiness, professional skills, and combat capability.” He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the armed forces remain prepared to address national security challenges. However, military analysts note that while the test demonstrates technical proficiency, it does not fully replicate real-world combat conditions, where targets may employ evasive maneuvers or countermeasures.
Expanding Pakistan’s Submarine Fleet
The Hangor-class submarines, based on China’s Type 039A/B Yuan design, represent a major upgrade for Pakistan’s navy. The fleet will eventually consist of eight vessels—four built in China and four assembled in Pakistan under a technology-transfer agreement with Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works. The first submarine, PNS/M Hangor, was commissioned in China in April 2026 and arrived in Pakistan in June of the same year.
A key feature of these submarines is their AIP system, which allows them to generate power underwater without surfacing, significantly extending their operational endurance. With a displacement of approximately 2,800 tonnes and a length of 76 meters, the Hangor-class is designed to enhance Pakistan’s underwater surveillance, survivability, and strike capabilities in the Indian Ocean region.
As Pakistan continues to expand its submarine fleet, the successful missile test underscores its efforts to strengthen maritime security and maintain a credible deterrent in an increasingly competitive naval environment.
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