Al-Khalid, Al-zarrar & APC's being handed over to the army

[fieldmarshal]

Army to get 88 Al-Khalid,Al-Zarrar tanks next month

Aroosa Alam

link http://www.pakobserver.net/200408/18/view/?page=1&id=5

Islamabad—The second batch of 44 Al-Khalid MBT and equal number of Al-Zarrar tanks will be handed over to Pakistan Army in the second week of September, well placed defence sources told Pakistan Observer. Besides handing over of two batches of Tanks, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) is also proud of handing over of a larger number of APCs (Armoured Personnel Carrier) to various formations of Pakistan Army. These APCs amongst others include 250 Al-Talha APC s for troops transportation. Vice Chief of Army Staff General Mohammad Yousaf will hand over 44 Al-Khalids to the Guides Cavalry as his last prestigious and memorable engagement before his retirement in October. Guides Cavalry, one of the oldest, has a strong heritage and has produced many Chiefs for Pakistan Army. The first batch of Al-Khalid was handed over to 31st Cavalry.

The new batch of Al-Khalids is an improved version of the previous batch with a number of modifications mostly related to the greater survivability of the machine in the battle ground. The other vital feature of the upgraded Al-Khalid is Data-Link systems which allow the tanks to exchange data with each other and with the Command Center. These upgradations have been conducted by the HIT keeping in view the modern day war strategies. Al-Khalid is powered with a Ukrainian 6TDF diesel engine, has a 125 mm smooth bore gun and auto-loader coupled with a Western Fire Control System.
There are however some reports which strongly suggest that the new Batch of Al-Khalid has been produced on the prototype IV which was intended for export market. Saudi Arabia has emerged as biggest customer for this type of Al-Khalid and it is believed that a few pieces will soon be dispatched to Saudi Arabia for final trials.

The export version has been designed with western 120mm gun and Fire Control System. It is also fitted with a 1200hp German MTU-871/ TCM AVDs-1790 diesel engine coupled with an LSG-3000 transmission. Al-Khalid is also equipped with ERA (Explosive Reactive Armour) to its hull and turret for improved battlefield survivability. ERA has been developed by NDC for HIT.

The Tank is also equipped with Crew Bay Explosion Detection and Suppression System to lend confidence to the crew in the battlefield. Engine Compartment Fire Detection and Extinguishing System makes Al-Khalid free of any possible engine fire caused by fuel leaks or overheating of the engine.

This system takes just few seconds to suppress the fire and temperature detection is rapid. Induction of new batch of Al-Khalid will certainly be an added jewel for Pakistan Army which remains under pressure due to its aging mechanized assets.

Sources said that a batch of Al-Zarrar will also be handed over to Pakistan Army in September. Al-Zarrar is upgraded version of T-59 and in last 12 years the tank has gone through three major upgradations.

It is believed that Al-Zarrar is now equipped with 730HP Engine and improved transmission, 125 smooth bore gun, semi automatic loading system, image stabilized fire control, thermal imager and improved gun control system, improved suspension and enhanced armour protection with explosive reactive armour. Sources said that a large number of APCs will also be handed over to various units and formations of Pakistan Army very soon. These APCs are equipped with anti-tank guided missiles. These also include Air Defence and Command vehicles.

[P.A.F]

thats good news. we should speed up the production so that the army is armed with pakistani weapons and not american. that way we don't need to rely on others that much ;)

[Revival_786]

What is explosive reactive armor?

I'm guessing... does it "absorb" the energy of a blast in some way or form?

[P.A.F]

something like that anyway. it might be the square type of armor you get on tanks. :? i'll let someone else answer that :P

[adsH]

What is explosive reactive armor?

I'm guessing... does it "absorb" the energy of a blast in some way or form?

it is a jacket of small charges that react on impact from Anti tank rounds they neutralize the Weapons capability to penetrate the armored hull, its replaceable so and cheap to make, but alot of research goes into the development of such armour.

[P.A.F]

thanx adsh ;)

[Revival_786]

Thanks adsH and PAF :) Does anybody know the max rate of tank production in Pakistan? :?

[adsH]

production is very slow, i guess quality has precedence over quantity. the thing is that Saudi's want this tank but they want good a good one in large ammount and so HIT is working hard on quality. apparently they are using Approved western Standard Main Gun, western fire control computer and the Engine is german and supposedly very powerful. 1200 bhp for the weight of the tank is alot and i mean speed would not be a problem for this tank. it looking impressive now

[Skygrasper]

Is there any chance of some of those western systems, like the fire control computer being integerated onto Pakistani Al Khalids?

[adsH]

Is there any chance of some of those western systems, like the fire control computer being integerated onto Pakistani Al Khalids?

i think these 40 plus have them they are probably going to be used to evaluate the effectiveness. its possible that that Pak army may only purchase these kinds, since Ukraine was told not to selll the engines Russia asked Ukraine not to sell the engine. so it might be that Pak army is redeveloping the Al-khalid to make it more western orientated. the 120 mm gun might be to make it to a more Coalition standard. so there might be a market for Al Khalid i am guessing Turkey wants the Al Khalid and since turkey is Nato it would like to aquire weapons that are Nato standard.

[Skygrasper]

I doubt that Ukraine is slowing its sales such as engines to Pakistan. However, at the same time Germany is selling Pakistan important items such as engines, fire control systems, etc.

I don't know which is more reliable, the German or Ukrainian engine, the same applies to the fire control systems, 120mm gun, etc.

[adsH]

obviously the germans, thats why HIT chose to put NATO standard Systems on Export models. i reckon they should only use NATO standards on the Al khalids, it adds credibility and makes the Platform more marketable to other nations.

[P.A.F]

does anybody know how many al-khalids & al-zarars pakistan wants in it's army?

[SABRE]

I my self dint like tanks but once I saw how Israelis use them n how Tanks battled through in every gulf war I just started to like them. World Class tanks are what Pakistan needs and Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar are world class n it Pakistan who is making them. So its a Good work.

About the Explosive reactors: Isnt it the technolgy attached to our high level minister cars. It protects their cars from Bombs. Remeber attack on Shukat Aziz. The front of the car was destroyed but the back where Shukat Aziz was sitting only got few scratches n he got away with it.

Or is it some thing else?

[Aussie Digger]

Explosive reactive armour, (ERA) is designed to defeat anti-tank weapons, by producing a relatively large explosion that "overpowers" the incoming warhead, by exploding outwards immediately upon impact by a projectile. AFAIK it can only be used on already heavily armoured vehicles, due to the size of the explosion caused upon impact by an ATGW.

It is also for this reason, that tanks that are meant to operate in close combat with infantry can't use ERA due to the danger to the unprotected infantry.Early ERA versions were notoriously unreliable and were often able to be detonated by a sniper firing at the ERA, an unpleasant experience for the crew inside no doubt... There were also reports I read of the armour detonating simply because of the rough ride of the tank...

It is for this and other reasons, that ERA has generally been avoided on Western Tanks (with the notable exception of Israel). Western tanks designers have generally preferred composite "passive armour" due to it's better protection and the problems I have outlined. It IS a lot more expensive though and ERA has gotten a lot better recently though...

Tanks are good. The best anti-tank weapon is still another tank, and there is simply nothing else that can breach defences whilst standing up to the heavy fire that such an action inevitably draws... Light tanks, "wheeled" tank killers and APC's are all well and good, but they can't match a good main battle tank for sheer combat capability, something that people are starting to realise again after GW 1&2, Somalia (Blackhawk Down incident) and other battles.

[adsH]

It is for this and other reasons, that ERA has generally been avoided on Western something that people are starting to realise again after GW 1&2, Somalia (Blackhawk Down incident) and other battles.

those were Pakistani Soldiers that were in the rescuing UN Tanks during the Black hawk down incident. when alot of the American Soldiers had to be Moved out of the City through APC

[mysterious]

Yeah! I always wonder, what would've been the case; had the Pakistanis not been there to help the Americans outta the red zone!! It surely have been similar to what General Garrison said at that time; 'If we dont get them out now, hundreds of caskets would be filled by morning'!!

P.S. My suggestion would be to watch the movie Black Hawk Down; gives a perfect account of what happened.

[P.A.F]

http://www.dawn.com/2004/09/24/top3.htm

Al-Khalid tank given to army

ISLAMABAD, Sept 23: Vice Chief of Army Staff, Gen Mohammad Yousuf Khan, on Thursday presided over a ceremony to equip the Guides Cavalry with state-of-the-art indigenously produced tank Al-Khalid - MBT-2000.

While handing over the tank, Gen Yousuf Khan praised the efforts made by the Heavy Industries Taxila chairman, Maj-Gen Israr Ahmed Ghumman, and others involved in the project of Al-Khalid Tank, including the defence production division of the ministry of defence.

He said the production of this tank was a landmark achievement. Al-Khalid tank is comparable with any modern tank of the world with an excellent power to weight ratio, enhanced firepower, high mobility, all-weather day and night capability, excellent protection and 125mm smooth gun.

The vice chief of the army staff emphasized the importance of learning all aspects of the new tank to optimize its potential in battle with regular maintenance to keep it battle ready at all times. He said the Guides Cavalry would in any future conflict attack with the same ferociousness as it had always done since its raising.

Armed with Al-Khalid tank, it would not only repeat its history but add new chapters in the annals of its glorious traditions. Another regiment of Al-Zarrar tank was also present in the ceremony along with other HIT products like Baktar Shikan Carrier - Maaz - command post vehicle - Sakb - and APCs - Talah.

Earlier, on his arrival at the HIT, Gen Yousuf Khan was received by HIT chairman Maj-Gen Israr Ahmed Ghumman. He also reviewed the parade and took the general salute. -APP

[P.A.F]

Thanx :)

[Mike Powell]

Well, all I know is Al-Khalid tank is a version of the Chinese Type 98. And I really hope this tank can beat T-72 just like that.

[mysterious]

Mike Powell, by 'location' we mean that you just put your country name or even city name in if you want but is that your 'complete' address that I'm seeing on the left corner under your name? ;)

[wzhtg]

The blackhwak down incident Somalia (Blackhawk Down incident)
I thought Malaysia was the country that went to the US's rescue. Even in the movie itself i could see the Malaysian Flag on the APC. ALso, the US general wrote a letter to Malaysia to thank them for their efforts. The Malaysian troops went in to get the US troops without waiting for permission from the UN as the situation broke no delay

[Pathfinder-X]

The blackhwak down incident Somalia (Blackhawk Down incident)
I thought Malaysia was the country that went to the US's rescue. Even in the movie itself i could see the Malaysian Flag on the APC. ALso, the US general wrote a letter to Malaysia to thank them for their efforts. The Malaysian troops went in to get the US troops without waiting for permission from the UN as the situation broke no delay

That's not entirely true, if the Pakistan armour unit did not asist the Rangers and Delta would have been dead meat. Malaysian infantry, Pakistan armour vehicles and U.S 10th Mountain all participated in the rescue.

[Mike Powell]

Well that's not my real address anyway because I've just move away.

[srirangan]

Mike,
Please shorten the "location" attribute of your profile, as you can see such a long value really messes out the page layout. Thanks!

[mysterious]

The blackhwak down incident Somalia (Blackhawk Down incident)
I thought Malaysia was the country that went to the US's rescue. Even in the movie itself i could see the Malaysian Flag on the APC. ALso, the US general wrote a letter to Malaysia to thank them for their efforts. The Malaysian troops went in to get the US troops without waiting for permission from the UN as the situation broke no delay

That's not entirely true, if the Pakistan armour unit did not asist the Rangers and Delta would have been dead meat. Malaysian infantry, Pakistan armour vehicles and U.S 10th Mountain all participated in the rescue.

Yup, Pathfinder's right 'Mr. wzhtg'!! Malaysian APCs were there and Pakistani Tanks along with US 10th Mountain (seems like you didnt watch the movie properly which I dont think can give you 'more' obvious info on how much the Pakistanis helped). :smokingc:

[wzhtg]

Sorry i didn't mean any offence, i honestly only knew about the Malaysian help, sorry if i offended you guys in any way.

[mysterious]

Well I'd like to see other APCs' pics other than the Al-Talha APC which is the only one with its pictures around I guess. Al-Saad, Al-Humza, Al-Qaswa, etc; who has access to get some info on them along with their pics? :roll

[zamrijf50]

a little bit of info...true the pak tanks were there but it did not enter the grd zero area as it was a bit large to manouvre around the narrow alleys of bakara....what was shown on BHD is not representative of the actual scene

due to that fact the condors of the 19th batt of the REJIMEN ASKAR MELAYU DIRAJA (RAMD) or ROYAL MALAY REGT. HAD TO GO IN BY THEMSELVES...

initially the americans wanted to take over the vehicles but this was overvhlemingly opposed by malaysia so a compromise was made that is the malaysian would operate the condors and command it with the rear mg gunner whilst 10 MOUNTAIN REGT to supply the infantry..im not sure if msia had men on the grd during the actual run to the crash site....

in the ensuing battle 1 msia soldier was fatally wounded and several others injured and 4 of the condors was immobilised and had to be destroyed by heli gunships lest they be misused by the militias...

in nut shell the brunt of the mission was borne by the us and malaysian troops with the pakistanis providing armoured support.

btw the nalaysian batt was the designated QRF(QUICK REACTION FORCE) of the UNOSOM 2 . :D:

[mysterious]

So much for that off-topic discussion, lets get back to what is being discussed and would someone read my last post and help me on that? :roll

[adsH]

the whole reason why the US went back into that God For Saken shiet hole was because Pakistani Troops were slaughtered as they were patrolling the Pakistani controlled region.

Any updates on the proposed Sale of the Al khalid to the Saudi's.

[SABRE]

also any thing new on Iraq purchasing Al-Khalid. A week back Iraq foregin minister visited Pak, did he say any thing abt Al-Khalid.

[srirangan]

It's silly the country is hardly on its feet and they are investing in tanks whereas they should be building up police and education.

[adsH]

It's silly the country is hardly on its feet and they are investing in tanks whereas they should be building up police and education.

Exactly, my thought on this issue is the same, but weve got to remind our selves that its not feasible for Iraq to maintain a Military and a Police, i think the New Army will be the new police. Iaqi police AKA ARMY will have enough trouble to sort out internally. the US can take care of Foreign attacks the US will maintain a strong presence in the Outskirts of cities in essence they will most likely create US Cities for there Forces when they retract and the Iraqi Forces take over. The Iraqi Forces cannot survive with Light armoured vehicles they need heavy turret mounted Vehicles that are durable in comabt and are provide all rounded performance and fire power, its more a of a Syc thing. A show of force to put it out that the Iraqi Armed forces are armed to the teeth. Plus you would have an increased interaction between the Pakistani and the Irai society and there militaries . the Stable well developed Cadre which is British in origin blended with a moderate/Secular culture cannot be adopted from just any Military it takes years to develop and the US would rather have Iraqi Armed forces behave similar to the Pakistani Military establishment, which is pro US.

Besides price per-unit of $1.5 mill is a bargain for basically an Uptodate Ukrainian/Pakistani Platform.

[SABRE]

Well they have oil. With that they can promiss payment otherwise Oil for tanks.
As soon as the oil export starts their revenue will rise to quite a sum.

[P.A.F]

http://pakistantimes.net/2004/12/10/top1.htm

'Pakistan moves swiftly to self-reliance in defence needs'
Pakistan Times Monitoring Report

TAXILA: After having successfully developed state-of-the-art MBT Al-Khalid, the prestigious HIT (Heavy Industries Taxila) is all set to take a major leap towards complete self-reliance in defence as the Institute is at the final stages of establishing AARDIC (Advanced Armoured Research, Development and Integration Complex).

The AARDIC will comprise 30 labs which will be developing advanced armoured, various weapon systems, through reverse engineering besides manufacturing strategic weapon systems for country’s armoured fleets. HIT will also be producing Al-Khalid 1by year 2007 which will be far more advanced than the current Al-Khalid which is being graded by independent defence experts as one of the best MBT in the world.

Bird's eye view

Pakistan's noted journalist Aroosa Alam writes; a day long privileged visit to POF and HIT gave a bird's eye view of the two organisations which have earned millions of foreign exchange through defence exports.

HIT has just fetched a US $ 32 million contract for the sale of various types of APCs and other armoured vehicles to a friendly country and is eyeing for more markets to be captured for these machines in months to come. All together the HIT alone has the saving of 331.13 million US$ during last three years. The money is now spent on the establishment of AARDIC and R&D purposes.

Senior officials at HIT are confident that AARDIC will help engineers and technicians to develop more advanced and strategic weapons and technologies for Al-Khalid and other armoured vehicles which will put Pakistan in the row of countries having highly advanced defence industry.

The officials say that under the prevalent geo-strategic situation Pakistan needs to have a complete self-reliance in defence. There should not be any compromise on national defence which is vitally linked with the economic security of the country.

These officials rightly take great pride in the fact that HIT has developed state-of-the-art Al-Khalid indigenously. “No known anti-tank system can defeat Al-Khalid tank till date”.

Ability of Al-Khalid

The tank has the ability to survive nuclear, chemical and biological warfare. According to them no comparison can be drawn between Indian Arjun and Pakistani Al-Khalid MBT. “Al-Khalid has been a success story.60 tonne, Arjun tank has devoured 250 million US $ for its development over last two decades and so far only 24 tanks have been produced”, said an official.

Pakistan army is already has in its inventory 90 Al-Khalids fully operational. The HIT is rolling out 50 Al-Khalids every year and by next year with additional allocations the production will be doubled.

At the moment the HIT is over booked with Pakistan Army’s demand who has placed order for 300 Al-Khalids. Two high level Saudi defence delegations have conducted extensive test and trials of the tank during past few months.

Saudi Arabia, the First customer

The tank will now be dispatched to Saudi Arabia for further trials and Riyadh may become the first customer of Al-Khalid followed by many other Muslim countries who have shown keen interest in this tank.

The Cost

Although senior officials refrain from quoting the exact cost of the tank they do indicate that any tank having capabilities same as Al-Khalid will have a price tag of $17 million per piece. “

I can tell you that you can produce many Al-Khalids in same price but commercial price for this tank will be fixed according to export orders”, they said. In a similar camparis on, officials said that while any Western tank would cost US 8 million dollars per piece, the recently acquired Ukrainian T-80UD have cost 1.5 million per unit to Pakistan Army. “We needed these tanks to defeat Indian T-72”.

Agility and Mobility

Twenty minutes thrilling ride on Al-Khalid by journalist Aroosa Alam explained the agility and mobility of the tank which thundered through artificially created difficult terrains at the speed of 32 km, demonstrating trench and obstacle crossing with 60% side slop.

Tank also exhibited astonishing bump stop with hydraulic breaks but the gun did not loose the stability. Powered by 1200HP diesel engine, Al-Khalid equally impressed my other course mates who could not have imagined even in their wildest dream that Pakistan can develop such a foolproof mechanised defence system.

The visit of three factories of HIT made everyone proud of our men of excellence who were seen working on these projects with dedication and national commitment.

Al-Khalid’s main gun is 125mm smooth bore with autoloader. The unique feature of Al-Khalid is that it is equipped with auto tracker system. It also has hunter killer capability which can track and engage more than one targets while on the move. The tank can operate fully even during night with thermal imagery systems. Tank’s maximum speed is upto 70km per hour.

Al-Zarrar

Besides Al-Khalid HIT is also rebuilding T-8511AP, T-69HMP, Al-Zarrar and T59MII. Tank Al-Zarrar is yet another success story for HIT. A number of prototype were developed on sound R&D basis for comparative evaluation and trials for the viability of upgradation of Al-Zarrar and finally Pakistan Army decided to induct 50 Al-Zarrars whose second batch was recently handed over by HIT.

40 tons Al-Zarrar has 125mm smooth bore gun with compatible Gun Control System and Semi Auto-loader, Image Stabilised Fire Control Systems, Thermal Imagining, Sight for day and night combat, 730HP engine, Compatible Transmission and Suspension System, and Explosive Reactive Armour.

HIT is very proud to produce FCS (Day Night Fire Control System) which is used to sight and track a static or moving targets during day and night. The system was introduced in Pakistan Army in 1990 and is now being indigenously produced. The system is available with training to countries having T-54/55/59/69 series of tanks.

Mohafiz Security Vehicle

Mohafiz Security Vehicle is another proud product of HIT which has welded Alumiuium Armour hull with ricochet angles all round. The hull is protected against 7.62mm bullet point blank range. The vehicle has bullet proof wind screen and run flat tyres. It can accommodate 8 persons with 10 firing ports.

APC Talha has been designed and manufactured by HIT with Ukrainian engines. It is all terrain, amphibious infantry support vehicle with 12.7mm machine gun as its main armament. Survivability has been enhanced through use of external fuel tanks. Various forms of armour can be added for protection of the vehicle. HIT is also manufacturing Logistic Vehicle Al-Qaswa, and Sakb Command Post Carrier.

APC M113A2MK/1belongs to the family of most widely used combat vehicles in the world today. HIT is producing a variety of APC’s through constant upgradation and rebuild. In its pursuit to achieve high level of excellence, HIT is heavily relying on the valuable contribution of, DESCOM (Development, Engineering Support and Component Manufacturer) and ETRO (Evaluation Training and Research Organisation). HIT has a work force of about 6000 dedicated engineers and highly skilled persons which include 30% uniformed personnel.

But HIT success story does not end here, the top bosses of the Complex in the short time of 11 months have raised from ashes a full fledge Hi-Tech city with University Campus, colleges, and schools. The Hi-Tech Campus spread over many acres is located very close to HIT where students can have education from nursery to the university levels.

Every school, college and university will have its own state-of-the-art labs, gyms, swimming pools and playgrounds. There will also be one Madrassa which will be virtually connected with Saudi Arabia and students will get religious education from Saudi schools or universities. In the middle of this huge complex, a great mosque is being built through donations.

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just makes me proud of pakistan :) :) :)

[adsH]

[quote="P.A.F"] quoting the exact cost of the tank they do indicate that any tank having capabilities same as Al-Khalid will have a price tag of $17 million per piece. “

Are-they kidding me, that should be 1.5 mill for the 125mm local version, and 1.7 million for the Export variant with German Fire-control and main gunn and engine, western Standard, the Tanks dispatched to Saudi are the more advanced western standard ver with german sub system :eek

[adsH]

. “No known anti-tank system can defeat Al-Khalid tank till date”.


An over statement, i don't know what the armour thickness is on this Tank but i would assume theyve overcome some of the problems commonly found with the ERA, the Ukrainians help, But Tanks do get defeated. I would assume this is T-72 based platform based on the T80ud or and improved version.

[SABRE]

. “No known anti-tank system can defeat Al-Khalid tank till date”.


An over statement, i don't know what the armour thickness is on this Tank but i would assume theyve overcome some of the problems commonly found with the ERA, the Ukrainians help, But Tanks do get defeated. I would assume this is T-72 based platform based on the T80ud or and improved version.

I think the statement talks about the version of Tank that is yet to come out that Pak will release in 2k7.
But still competition is high & major Tank producing nations will definitly have some thing better.

[adsH]

there are two versions one local Ukrainian Components.and the other export standardized version, which includes German Fire-control Imaging system etc and other various on board computer targeting systems, INcludeing the Main 120mm Gun and the Engine, the rest stays the same, Armour thickness cannot be changed just by adding a extra layer of it , it requires balancing the entire chassis, the Entire platform may become ineffective if the armour is messed around with, weight and the chassis when balanced along with other factors like Weight to power ratio can provide the effective mobility and protection (you decide either be a sprinter or the bully) its a very delicate balance and very specific to each individual design. the ERA can be redesigned extra Modular composite armour can be added but, there is no Tank that can be proclaimed to be indestructible. a direct hit from the Main turret gun in close proximity would surely penitrate anyhull regardless of the armour depth.

[SABRE]

I agree to that no tank indestructible...some may even get damaged by grenades & rocket launchers too.

No known anti-tank system can defeat Al-Khalid tank till date

But I dont believe that the statement refers to being indestructibility. It mean competetion. I refers that Al-Khalid is the best there & I disagree with it.

About the Armour thickness. Pakistan's current Al-Khalid r T-90 upgrades but from 2007 they'll make a new armour, made in Pakistan. They wont bring in old dummies & put tank equipments on it. In 2007 Pakistan would be in condition to claim that Al-Khalid is Pakistan's own. They r also going to start reverse engineering on various equipments PS looking for ToT of Ukrainian Tank Engines.

It must not be forgotton that China is also upgrading its T-90 & working on new Tank based on T-90 (Just as Al-Khalid) but according to Chinese needs. That Tank is expected to be very much better than Al-Khalid. So I dnt believe that Al-Khalid is undefeatable. I herd Chinese prototypes r already out.
I wounder if Pakistan will buy some of them. I saw some art impressions of the Chinese tank here on DT & it looked so beautiful.

[gf0012-aust]

It must not be forgotton that China is also upgrading its T-90 & working on new Tank based on T-90 (Just as Al-Khalid) but according to Chinese needs. That Tank is expected to be very much better than Al-Khalid. So I dnt believe that Al-Khalid is undefeatable. I herd Chinese prototypes r already out.
I wounder if Pakistan will buy some of them. I saw some art impressions of the Chinese tank here on DT & it looked so beautiful.


According to some Russian sites from a few months back (and IIRC on TankNET and as a lead item on StrategyPage a few weeks ago) the Chinese tank is a rehulled 1959 design that the Chinese were granted a license to,.

It's not a "new" tank at all. The fundamental T-59 origins are still there, but it has been rehulled, partially digitised etc... They were reporting that they were using Japanese COTS modules.

[P.A.F]

well it meets pakistans needs by far ;)

[SABRE]

Pakistani T-59 have been upgraded to Al-Zarar. Non upgrade versions will also be upgraded. With out being upgraded I doubt they r fulfilling the modern needs of Pakistan Army.

[P.A.F]

the newer version of the al-khalid sure will ;)

[mysterious]

Both the Al-Khalid and Al-Zarar tanks will form the backbone of the Pakistani Army. Dont worry Sabre, all T-59s will go through the major upgrade to be brought to Al-Zarar standard (the work is going on at a good pace) and ofcourse, Al-Khalids will keep on rolling off the lines to fulfil the requirements of the Pakistan Army as soon as possible.