Pakistan expands underwater Strike Capability with launch of New Submarine Ghazi

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Navy marked another major leap in its maritime defence capabilities with launch of its fourth Hangor-class submarine, Ghazi, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced.

The launch is said to be a critical milestone in Pakistan’s ambitious submarine modernisation programme, with all four Hangor-class submarines being built in China now undergoing rigorous sea trials and entering the final stages before their transfer to Pakistan.

#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 17 December, 2025

The fourth Hangor class submarine of #PakistanNavy named GHAZI has been launched at Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, #China. With the launching of GHAZI, #Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under… pic.twitter.com/2CbW5XaxmE

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 17, 2025

Under landmark defence agreement with Beijing, Pakistan is acquiring eight state-of-the-art Hangor-class submarines. While four vessels are being constructed in China, the remaining four will be built locally at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) under a comprehensive transfer of technology arrangement.

Pak military’s media wing said the submarines are equipped with advanced sensors and modern weapon systems, giving them the ability to engage targets at extended standoff ranges. The military’s media wing said the Hangor-class fleet will play a vital role in maintaining regional peace, stability, and maritime deterrence.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Pakistani and Chinese naval officials, showing deepening strategic and defence cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.

Pakistan Navy rolled out first Hangor-class submarine in April last year, followed by second and third units on March 15 and August 15 this year, respectively. Hangor-class is a diesel-electric attack submarine featuring air-independent propulsion (AIP) technology, enabling it to remain submerged for longer durations and operate over greater distances without surfacing.