Pakistan's navy has taken delivery of its first Hangor-class submarine at Karachi Port, marking a key step in the country's naval modernisation drive and reflecting deepening defence ties with China, which supplied the vessel. The submarine is fitted with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology — which allows a sub to operate without surfacing to recharge batteries — along with advanced combat systems and enhanced stealth features. Pakistan plans to induct a total of eight Hangor-class submarines; the name honours a storied predecessor that in 1971 became the first submarine since World War II to sink an enemy warship, destroying the Indian frigate INS Khukri.