Pakistan Navy’s Hangor submarine conducts maiden missile firing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy’s newly inducted submarine PNS/M Hangor successfully conducted its maiden live weapon firing in the North Arabian Sea, accurately striking a designated long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Sunday.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf witnessed the firing and praised the submarine’s combat capabilities, according to the military’s media wing.

He also emphasised the strategic importance of strengthening Pakistan Navy’s subsurface capabilities to maintain credible maritime deterrence, the ISPR said.

The milestone reflects the Pakistan Navy’s efforts to maintain a modern and combat-ready force to safeguard the country’s maritime frontiers and contribute to regional peace, it added.

PM congratulates Pakistan Navy on successful maiden live weapon firing

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday congratulated the Pakistan Navy and its leadership on the successful maiden live weapon firing by the newly inducted submarine PNS/M Hangor.

The prime minister said the accurate engagement of a long-range target with an anti-ship cruise missile was a testament to the exceptional operational readiness, professionalism and high combat capability of the Pakistan Navy’s submarine force.

He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the armed forces remained fully prepared to meet any challenge to national security. Prime Minister Shehbaz also commended Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf and all personnel involved in the induction and operationalisation of PNS/M Hangor for their professionalism.

President Zardari hails Pakistan Navy for maiden live weapon firing

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday lauded the Pakistan Navy for the successful maiden live weapon firing by its newly inducted submarine PNS/M Hangor.

The president praised the Pakistan Navy’s operational readiness and enhanced maritime defence capabilities.

A modern combat-capable Pakistan Navy was playing an important role in protecting the country’s maritime frontiers and promoting peace and security in the region, President Zardari said.

He also commended the operational preparedness and enhanced maritime defence capabilities of the Pakistan Navy under the leadership of Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

The enhancement of Pakistan’s maritime defence capabilities reflected the country’s resolve to effectively protect its maritime boundaries and contribute to peace in the region, the president said.

President Zardari had attended the handover ceremony of PNS/M Hangor as the chief guest on April 30 this year in Sanya, China.