The Pakistan Navy on Wednesday launched its fourth Hangor-class submarine, Ghazi, at the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Limited’s Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, marking another major milestone in the service’s submarine acquisition programme.

With the launch of Ghazi, all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China have now entered the sea trials phase and are in the final stages before handover to Pakistan, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Pakistan and China have signed a contract for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines.

Under the agreement, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Ltd under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement.

The Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with advanced weapons and sensor suites, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges. The submarines are expected to significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities and play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from Pakistan and China, underscoring the deepening bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.