WUHAN: The launching ceremony of the second Hangor-class submarine, PNS/M Shushuk (Desig), was held at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd, Shuangliu Base, Wuhan.
Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ovais Ahmed Bilgrami, attended the event as the chief guest.
In his address, Vice Admiral Bilgrami emphasised the importance of maritime security in the region’s evolving geo-strategic landscape. He reiterated the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to protecting national interests and maintaining a secure maritime environment.
He highlighted that the Hangor-class submarine, equipped with advanced weapons and sensors, will play a crucial role in maintaining regional balance of power and maritime stability.
Acknowledging the efforts of China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company Ltd (CSOC), he expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating that the Hangor-class submarine project strengthens Pakistan-China strategic cooperation.
The Government of Pakistan signed an agreement with CSOC during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan to acquire eight Hangor-class submarines. Under the agreement, four submarines will be built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Ltd (KS&EW) under the Transfer of Technology (ToT) program.
These state-of-the-art submarines will be equipped with cutting-edge weapons and sensors, allowing them to engage targets at standoff ranges.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from Pakistan and China, including representatives from Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group Company Ltd and CSOC.
