The Pakistan Navy has launched its third Hangor-class submarine, the PNS/M Mangro, at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China.
The vessel is part of an eight-vessel fleet program introduced in 2015 to bolster anti-access/area denial operations throughout Islamabad’s maritime territories.
Each platform under this class is reportedly based on the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Type 039A Yuan-class diesel-electric submarine, and will be armed with anti-ship cruise missiles and heavyweight torpedoes.
Estimated at $5 billion, the program will produce half of the fleet in partnership with Beijing’s state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and the remainder with the Pakistani government’s Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.
Key to Power Balance
At the Wuhan ceremony, Pakistan Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Abdul Samad emphasized the growing importance of maritime security amid shifting regional dynamics.
He also reaffirmed that the Pakistan Navy remains committed to protecting national interests while promoting a safe and cooperative maritime environment.
Launching ceremony of PNS/M MANGRO (Desig) held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry, Shuangliu Base, Wuhan, China. DCNS Project-2, V/Adm Abdul Samad graced occasion as CG. In his address, CG stressed significance of maritime security amid region’s current geo-strategic dynamics. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/W7o8a0BTQl
— DGPR (Navy) (@dgprPaknavy) August 15, 2025
He noted that the Hangor-class submarines, equipped with advanced sensors and modern weaponry, would help maintain regional power balance and ensure maritime stability.
In addition to Samad, high-ranking officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from shipbuilding collaborators, attended the event.
The Hangor Submarine
Pakistan’s Hangor-class system measures 76 meters (249 feet) in length and has a beam of 8 meters (26 feet).
It will be powered by four CHD620 engines paired with air-independent propulsion technology to support extended underwater endurance and enhanced stealth capability.
The vessel is expected to have a top speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour), a range of up to 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 kilometers/11,508 miles), and a submerged configuration of up to three weeks.
