During the exercise, the submarine fired an anti-ship cruise missile that accurately engaged a designated target at extended range, according to the military’s media wing.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities.
Admiral Ashraf also stressed the continued development of Pakistan Navy’s subsurface warfare capabilities to maintain operational readiness and maritime deterrence.
PNS/M Hangor is the first of eight Hangor-class submarines being acquired by Pakistan from China under the navy’s fleet modernisation programme.
The submarine is equipped with advanced combat systems, modern sensors, Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology and enhanced stealth features.
The submarine was commissioned in April at a ceremony in Sanya, China, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari and Admiral Naveed Ashraf. It arrived at Karachi Port in June and subsequently joined the Pakistan Navy’s operational fleet.
The induction of the Hangor-class submarines is part of Pakistan-China defence cooperation and the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to strengthen its undersea warfare capabilities. The navy is expected to induct a total of eight submarines under the programme.
