[Jane's Defence: Pakistan's 'Hangor' Class Submarine Inherits Key Features of China's Type 039]
According to a report published on May 14, 2026, by Jane's Defence Weekly (Janes) website based in the UK: Photos released by the Royal Malaysian Navy show that Pakistan's 'Hangor' class submarine has almost entirely inherited the design characteristics of China's Type 039 (Yuan-class) submarine.
The photos, released on May 9, were intended to commemorate the arrival of the lead vessel, PNS Hangor, at Sepanggar Naval Base in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Given the limited visual material previously made public by the Pakistan Navy regarding this class, these images offer a rare opportunity to observe the vessel’s configuration.
This conventionally powered submarine (SSK), built in China, underwent replenishment, logistical coordination, and crew rest during its stopover in Malaysia before continuing its journey back to Pakistan. The PNS Hangor was formally commissioned in Sanya, China, on April 30.
Imagery indicates that the vessel features a hydrodynamically optimized teardrop-shaped hull designed for underwater performance, equipped with a typical cruciform stern rudder and sail fin. This arrangement of control surfaces is a hallmark of Chinese conventional submarines, emphasizing maneuverability and acoustic stealth during low-speed operations.
A rectangular recessed panel is visible on the side of the sail, likely serving as an access hatch for personnel. Along the top of the forward superstructure, multiple rows of narrow, horizontally aligned slots—designed as seawater drainage ports—are evenly spaced and follow the curvature of the hull to enable rapid drainage when surfaced. The superstructure slopes gently upward toward the base of the sail.
No external weapons or deck-mounted fixtures are visible on the hull, indicating that the submarine relies on internal torpedo tubes and potentially missile systems (launched via standard bow torpedo tubes).
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865161488794634/
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