The fourth Hangor-class submarine of Pakistan Navy is launched in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, the Pakistan Navy announces on December 17, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the official X account of the Pakistan Navy

The Pakistan Navy’s fourth and final Hangor-class submarine under construction in China has been launched in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province, according to a statement and a video released by the Pakistan Navy on Wednesday night local time.

A Chinese expert highlighted the China-Pakistan defense cooperation, saying it contributes to safeguarding peace and stability.

With the launching of fourth Hangor-class submarine, named the Ghazi, the Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone where all four submarines under construction in China are now undergoing rigorous sea trials and are in the final stages of being handed over to Pakistan, per the Pakistani statement.

Admiral Naveed Ashraf, chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, told the Global Times in a recent exclusive interview published in November that the first batch of Hangor-class submarines under a China-Pakistan cooperation project is expected to enter operational service with the Pakistan Navy in 2026.

Pakistan signed a contract with China to procure eight Hangor-class conventional submarines in 2015, with the first four to be constructed by China and the rest to be assembled by Pakistan, so as to improve Pakistan's technical capabilities, according to media reports. According to the plan, Pakistan will acquire eight advanced submarines between 2022 and 2028. The first Hangor-class conventionally powered submarine was launched in China in April 2024, while the second and third vessels were consecutively launched this year.

Ashraf spoke highly of this China-Pakistan cooperation project, saying that it reflects professionalism and close naval equipment collaboration between China and Pakistan. 

Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times that submarines are of strategic significance, representing a high level of strategic mutual trust and deep friendship between China and Pakistan.

Pragmatic defense cooperation contributes to safeguarding maritime security as well as peace and stability in the region, Zhang said.

The Hangor-class submarine is not the only recent defense project between China and Pakistan. According to reports by Pakistani media including The News in August, the Pakistani military has also inducted the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter.

When asked to comment on media reports that the Pakistani military has inducted the Chinese-made Z-10ME attack helicopter to advance the modernization of its defense equipment, Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said in August in a news release session that China is willing to share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries, including Pakistan.

China-Pakistan defense and security cooperation is not aimed at any third party and is committed to maintaining international and regional security and stability, said Jiang.