Pakistan naval chief says addition of eight new Hangor submarines will bolster navy’s combat capabilities

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf has said that the induction of eight new Hangor class submarines into the Pakistani fleet would boost the navy’s combat capabilities, Pakistani state media reported on Sunday.
Ashraf said this during the Hangor Day celebrations when a Pakistani Hangor submarine sank Indian Navy ship Khukri during the 1971 war, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) news agency reported.
The Pakistani submarine, under the command of Commander Ahmed Tasnim, hit the Indian anti-submarine frigate with a torpedo off the Gujarat coast. It is the only instance post-World War II wherein a submarine sank a warship in action.
“The addition of eight Hangor submarines would boost the combat capabilities of Pakistan Navy besides bolstering its offensive punch,” Admiral Ashraf was quoted as saying by the APP.
He said Pakistan Navy always laid a “special emphasis” on its submarine force.
“We cannot forget this day and neither can the enemy,” the Pakistani naval chief said. “The event was not only part of a tactical battle executed perfectly, but also a strategic demonstration of Pakistan Navy’s resolve to repulse enemy aggression and defend the maritime frontiers.”
Admiral Ashraf said the Hangor Day depicted the “courage, tenacity and grit” of Pakistan Navy.
“Through professional excellence and dedication, we can fight against all odds, and continue to enrich our proud heritage,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that Pakistan Navy’s submarine squadron would continue to draw inspiration from its predecessors.