The president had earlier attended the handover ceremony of the Hangor-class submarine as chief guest on April 30.

The Pakistan Navy’s first Hangor-class submarine successfully conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the Arabian Sea, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

The newly inducted PNS/M HANGOR accurately engaged a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile during the weapon firing exercise, which ISPR described as a major demonstration of operational readiness.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities. He also emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening Pakistan’s undersea capabilities for credible maritime deterrence.

ISPR said the successful firing reflected the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to maintaining a modern and combat-ready force to safeguard the country’s maritime frontiers and contribute to regional peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership on the successful live weapons firing by the newly inducted submarine.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the submarine’s successful engagement of a long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile demonstrated the operational readiness, professional expertise and combat capability of Pakistan’s submarine force.

Prime Minister Shehbaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the armed forces’ readiness to address national security challenges. He also commended the Naval chief and personnel involved in the submarine’s induction and operationalisation.

President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to the Pakistan Navy following the successful firing, praising the enhancement of the country’s naval defence capabilities.

President Zardari said the Pakistan Navy’s modern combat capabilities were playing an important role in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime boundaries and ensuring regional peace and security.

The president had earlier attended the handover ceremony of the Hangor-class submarine as chief guest on April 30.

Pakistan Navy to Induct Eight Hangor-Class Submarines

The Pakistan Navy is set to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines as part of its efforts to strengthen its underwater warfare capabilities.

The Hangor-class submarines are equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features. These capabilities are expected to significantly strengthen the navy’s submarine operations and maritime defence capabilities.

The Hangor name holds particular significance in Pakistan’s naval history. During the 1971 Pakistan-India war, the then-PNS Hangor sank the Indian Navy frigate INS Khukri, becoming the first submarine to sink a warship since the Second World War.

The first of the new Hangor-class submarines was launched in China in April 2024. The second, third and fourth submarines were subsequently launched in March, August and December 2025.

The Pakistan Navy has also conducted several weapons tests in recent months to enhance its maritime strike capabilities.

In April, the navy successfully tested the indigenously developed Taimoor anti-ship weapon system. During the same month, it also successfully fired a locally developed anti-ship ballistic missile against targets at extended range.

The latest live firing by PNS/M HANGOR marks another step in the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to enhance its submarine force and long-range maritime strike capabilities.