•    PN Submarine Force was raised in 1964 as a lead sub-surface arm of Pakistan Navy and being the first in the region. It has a meritorious past history spanned over nearly 47 years and has unique distinction of operating nearly 5 different types of platforms to date.

•   After the acquisition of PNS/M GHAZI (Ex-USS DIABLO) on 1 June 1964 from the United States, this submarine took active part in the Runn of Kutch crisis and in 1965 Indo-Pak war. Mere presence of this submarine off Indian west coast and the threat she radiated, resulted in bottling up of IN Fleet in the safety of harbour, without posing any challenge to PN Fleet throughout the 1965 war. In recognition of meritorious feat performed by the submarine and valour of its crew against superior adversary, the Submarine Squadron was awarded 02 Sitara-e-Jurrat, 01 Tamgha-e-Jurrat and 7 Imtiazi Sanads.

•   In 1971, PNS/M GHAZI was deployed off Indian east coast to draw a pull on IN Fleet employed along her west coast, thus diluting IN force quantum against PN surface assets and Pakistan bound shipping to a great extent. The submarine presented her ultimate sacrifice while engaged in offensive mining operation off Vishakhapatnam in Dec 1971. The submarine and her crew, comprising 11 Officers and 82 sailors, embraced martyrdom during 1971 war.

•    Prior to 1971 war, three Daphne class submarines were also inducted in the PN Fleet from France, between 1969-70. These were commissioned as HANGOR, SHUSHUK and MANGRO on 1 Dec 1969, 12 Jan 1970 and 5 Aug 1970 respectively. These units also took active part in the 1971 war along Indian west coast. PNS/M HANGOR won the distinction of sinking IN Destroyer INS KHUKRI and seriously damaging INS KIRPAN astride Kathiawar coast and proudly ranked as first conventional submarine of the world to score successful hits against surface units in combat since WW-II. This act of courage and valour earned Submarine Squadron 04 Sitara-e-Jurrat, 06 Tamgha-e-Jurrat and 14 Imtiazi Sanads. PNS/M HANGOR is peculiar in the sense that she won highest number of gallantry awards during combat, unprecedented in Pakistan Navy till to date.

•    In 1975, Pakistan Navy learnt that Portuguese Navy was ready to sell her Daphne Submarines. Negotiations were started through French Navy for the purchase of one of these platforms. The first of these Daphne submarines, ex-Portuguese, "Cachalote" was purchased and taken to Toulon, France for a major refit. After the major refit, the submarine was commissioned as PNS/M GHAZI (S-134) on 17 January 1977, taking on the name of old GHAZI (S-130). The strength of Daphne type submarines in PN flotilla thus became four. After nearly 34 years of meritorious service in Pakistan Navy, Daphne submarines were finally de-commissioned from active list in Jan 2006.

•    In 1978, another opportunity came from France for acquisition of two Agosta-70 type submarines. These two submarines had been ordered for South African Navy, which was already operating French Daphne submarines. As a consequence of arms embargo on South Africa, these were offered to Pakistan Navy for purchase and induction in 1979 and 80 respectively.

•    Pakistan and DCN France subsequently signed a contract for 3 Agosta 90B submarines on 21 September 1994, alongwith purchase of Kit of Material (KoM) for the fourth unit and provisions of Transfer of Technology (ToT). Key provision of this contract called for production of first boat in France, assembly of second in Pakistan and complete production of third in Pakistan as part of progressive transfer of technology. First of the class of the submarine was commissioned on 6 Sep 99 as PNS/M KHALID, which was inducted in PN Fleet on 21 Dec 1999.

•    Agosta 90B design is based on Agosta-70 class submarines, which were already in service with French and Pakistan Navies. The platform features an AIP system and array of state of the art sensors and weapons. Fully integrated combat system presents tactical data complied through multifarious chain of underwater detection systems, including a VLF linear towed array sonar. OPTRONIC masts, integrated radar and EW support equipment provide higher operational flexibility and enhanced survivability against air and surface threats in a multi-threat environment. The inertial navigation system offers these platforms greater liberty of precise submerged navigation. PNS/M HAMZA, being the third submarine in Agosta 90B series is equipped with operational MESMA AIP, offering her enhanced submerged endurance over her two sister platforms. Retrofitting of MESMA on PNS/M SAAD and KHALID will be completed in due course. Importantly, all three Agosta 90Bs have received a new and highly proficient Heavy Weight Torpedo (DM2A4) as their main weapon.

•   PN Submarine Force also takes pride in operating 3 X-Craft, which were transferred to the Squadron in Mar 2005 from SSG(N). This has enhanced the number of sub-surface units to 8 instead of 5 being operated prior Mar 2005.

•    With the institution of Submarine Force in Pakistan Navy, an elaborate and well structured Submarine Support Base, named PNS ABDOZE was also commissioned with an aim to provide logistic, accommodation, medical and other essential facilities to the tender Submarine units while in harbour and in preparation for their operational deployments. Another important milestone achieved in training and readiness of Submarine Command, Ops and Technical teams was the institution of Submarine Training Centre (STC), which initially operated at PNS ABDOZE and later relocated to PNS BAHADUR in 1980, housing all basic and professional courses of Submarine personnel as well as elaborate simulator training in ops, diving, propulsion and sonar tape listening disciplines.

•    Recent addition to the Squadron is institution of Fleet Acoustic Research and Classification Centre (FARCC), commissioned in May 2008. This is in fact a PN capability, being managed by Submarine Squadron for the time being.

•    With regards to Organogram, PN Submarine Squadron was initially headed by Commander Underwater Forces (COMUF); an officer of the rank of Captain. COMUF managed both Submarine Squadron as well as assets and manpower placed under PNS IQBAL comprising SSG(N). This appointment was later re-designated as Commander Submarines (COMSUBS), which remains in vogue to date, by an officer of the rank of Commodore. Both arms, that is PN Submarine Force and SSG(N) are now well segregated, as Submarines and X-Craft form SUBRON and Midgets Group respectively under Fleet Command, while SSG(N) is managed by Cdr SSG(N) under Coastal Command.

•   PN Submarine Force also takes pride in the fact that it is the only Squadron of Pakistan Navy being conferred with the National Standard on 3 Jan 1997 by then President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Khan Laghari. This is a testament of extreme sacrifices, meritorious services and role of PN Submarine Force as back bone of seaward defence and most potent offensive arm of Pakistan Navy.