In a significant milestone for Pakistan’s naval modernization, the third Hangor-class submarine, designated PNS/M Mangro, was officially launched at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, on August 15. The ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Pakistan’s Deputy Chief of Naval Staff for Projects-2, who underscored the submarine’s role in bolstering maritime security amid evolving regional geopolitics and reaffirmed Pakistan Navy’s commitment to national defense objectives.
This launch is part of an eight-submarine agreement signed in 2015 with the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC). Under the contract, four submarines are to be built in China, while the remaining four are slated for construction at Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology framework.
The Hangor-class is an export variant derived from China’s Type 039B Yuan-class diesel-electric attack submarines. Built with advanced sensors and stealth capabilities, these vessels are seen as a strategic enhancement to Pakistan’s anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, key for maintaining balance in the increasingly contested Indian Ocean region.
International observers note this launch emphasizes the deepening defense cooperation between China and Pakistan, with China now supplying more than 80% of Pakistan’s military hardware, including submarines, fighter jets, frigates, and other major assets. With PNS/M Mangro now in the water, Pakistan has launched three Hangor-class submarines to date, —the first in April 2024, the second in March 2025, and now the third. The remaining five are expected to follow before 2028, completing the eight-submarine order.
