Staff Report
KARACHI: Pakistan’s indigenous submarine development project achieved another mega milestone when the Steel Cutting of the second Submarine and Keel Laying Ceremony of the first HANGOR Class Submarine was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) here on Saturday.
A press release said that naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi was the chief guest on the occasion.
The defence agreement between China and Pakistan included the development of 8 HANGOR Class Submarines, including 8 being built at KS&EW under the Technology Transfer agreement and four under construction at Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group (WSIG) in China.
The development of the first submarine to be made at Karachi Shipyard commenced in December 2021, and now the Keel Laying is being laid.
Similarly, construction work on the subsequent submarine has started with its Steel Cutting at the Karachi Shipyard.
Pakistan Navy aware of threats
HANGOR Class Submarine is capable of performing a variety of missions as per operative dictations.
On the occasion, the Naval Chief said it is a matter of great pride to witness the Steel Cutting and Keel Laying of two submarines. He said that Pakistan Navy is aware of the changing Geo-strategic situation in the region and will continue to develop naval potential, equip platforms with advanced weapons/ sensors, improve shipbuilding infrastructure, and counter traditional as well as asymmetric external and internal threats.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of CSOC (China) and other high officials, including distinguished guests from the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP), the Embassy of China, KS&EW, and the Pakistan Navy (PN). – APP
