ISLAMABAD: The fourth Hangor-class submarine of the Pakistan Navy, named PNS Ghazi, was launched on Tuesday at the Shuangliu Base in Wuhan, China, marking another major milestone in Pakistan’s naval modernization programme. With the launch of PNS Ghazi, all four Hangor-class submarines being constructed in China are now undergoing advanced sea trials and have entered the final phase prior to their induction into the Pakistan Navy. Pakistan had signed an agreement with China for the acquisition of eight Hangor-class submarines under a comprehensive defence cooperation framework. Under the contract, four submarines are being built in China, while the remaining four will be constructed in Pakistan at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW) under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) arrangement. According to ISPR, the Hangor-class submarines will be equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, enabling them to engage targets at standoff ranges. The submarines are expected to significantly enhance Pakistan Navy’s operational capability and play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. The launching ceremony was attended by senior officials from Pakistan and China, reflecting the strength and depth of bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025