Pakistan Navy Fires Cruise Missile From Hangor‑Class Submarine

NEW DELHI — Pakistan’s navy conducted a live missile test from its Hangor‑class submarine on 27 September, marking the first time the vessel fired a weapon in a combat scenario. The test, carried out in the Arabian Sea, used a Chinese‑made cruise missile and was described by the Pakistan Navy’s public relations wing as a successful demonstration of the submarine’s combat capability.

Pakistan’s first live missile firing from a Hangor‑class submarine

The Hangor‑class submarine, a platform built under a China‑Pakistan joint programme, was launched into the Arabian Sea from a naval base on the western coast of Pakistan. According to the ISPR, the missile fired was a cruise missile with a range of over 200 kilometres, a capability that had not been publicly demonstrated by the navy before this exercise.

The test was conducted at 10:30 a.m. local time, with the submarine submerged at a depth of 150 metres. The missile was launched from the submarine’s torpedo tube and travelled a distance of 220 kilometres before striking a target on the sea surface. The Pakistan Navy’s statement said the missile’s guidance system performed as expected and the launch sequence was completed without any technical issues.

In a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office, the head of state praised the navy for its “professionalism and technical competence” during the exercise. The statement also highlighted the test as a “significant step in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime deterrence.”

Independent media outlets, including Dunya News and 24 News HD, reported on the exercise, noting that it was the first time a Pakistani submarine had fired a live missile in a combat scenario. The reports confirmed that the missile was a Chinese‑made cruise missile and that the launch was successful.

India’s submarine missile development continues

India has been working on developing its own submarine missile capabilities for several years. While the Indian Navy has conducted trials of submarine‑launched missiles in the past, it has not yet conducted a live missile test from a submarine in a combat scenario. The Indian Navy’s public statements indicate that the country is continuing to develop and refine its submarine missile systems as part of its broader naval modernization programme.

India’s focus on enhancing its under‑sea warfare capabilities is driven by the need to secure its maritime interests in the Indian Ocean region. The country has been investing in advanced submarine platforms and missile systems, including the BrahMos missile, which can be launched from both surface ships and submarines. However, the Indian Navy has not yet conducted a live missile test from a submarine in a combat scenario, according to its official statements.

Strategic implications

The successful missile launch by Pakistan’s navy is seen as a boost to the country’s maritime deterrence posture. The exercise demonstrates the navy’s ability to conduct covert operations and strike targets at long range from a submerged platform. It also signals to regional actors that Pakistan has the capability to project power from its under‑sea fleet.

India’s continued development of submarine missile capabilities is part of its broader strategy to maintain a credible deterrent in the Indian Ocean. The country’s naval planners are working to ensure that its submarines can launch missiles with precision and reliability, thereby enhancing India’s ability to respond to maritime threats.

Both countries are operating within the framework of international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The exercises are conducted in accordance with national defence protocols and are not intended to provoke conflict.