ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s third Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Mangro, was launched at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd in Wuhan, China, marking a significant milestone in the country’s maritime defense capabilities.
Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Project-2, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, was the chief guest on the occasion, the spokesman of Pakistan Navy said on Friday. Addressing the ceremony, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad stressed the significance of maritime security amid region’s current geo-strategic dynamics. He reaffirmed that Pakistan Navy remains fully committed to defending national interests while fostering a secure and cooperative maritime environment.
Referring to HANGOR Class Submarines, he highlighted that their cutting-edge weaponry and advanced sensors would be instrumental in sustaining regional power equilibrium and ensuring maritime stability. Commending the dedicated work of China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction over steady progress of the project and remarked that HANGOR Class Submarine initiative would bring a fresh dimension to the enduring, time-honoured partnership between Pakistan and China.
The Government of Pakistan had signed an agreement with CSOC to acquire eight HANGOR Class submarines. Under the contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme.
The launching ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company Ltd.