Pakistan unveils first locally made Haider Main Battle Tank

Asia-Pacific, News March 9, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) held the roll-out ceremony of the inaugural serial production batch of the Haider Main Battle Tank, on March 7, 2024. The tanks have been developed indigenously by Pakistan in collaboration with China.

Top officials from the Pakistani military and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China were present during the roll-out ceremony for the Haider tank. Representatives from China’s state-owned defense manufacturer NORINCO were also present during the ceremony.

According to the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ceremony was held at the military production facility of HIT and marked a significant milestone in Pakistan’s indigenization efforts in the field of defense.

During the ceremony, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir commended the technical abilities of the Haider tank and acknowledged the collaborative efforts between China and Pakistan that led to its development. Neither the HIT nor the Pakistan Army provided specific details on when the new military vehicle will begin service.

Additionally, the Army Chief also visited various manufacturing facilities within the Heavy Industrial Complex, where he recognized the dedication of the officers and workforce in achieving yet another technological milestone.

Pakistan main battle tank Haider — ^{Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) unveiled Haider main battle tank. (Image Credit: Twitter/Pakistan Army)}

Haider Main Battle Tank

Haider has been designed on the Chinese VT4 platform and boasts a formidable arsenal, including a 125mm Smoothbore gun capable of firing various types of ammunition, such as Armor Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles.

The tank is equipped with an advanced fire control system, integrating a range of sensors, and targeting devices to optimize accuracy and lethality on the battlefield. The Haider Main Battle Tank signifies a substantial advancement in Pakistan’s defense capabilities, showcasing the nation’s dedication to self-sufficiency.

Haider is equipped with a four-stroke turbocharged electronically-controlled Diesel engine that produces 1,200 horsepower, along with a hydro-mechanical automatic transmission. Its features are robust suspension systems and six road wheels on each side, supported by hydraulic shock absorbers. The Haider can have remarkable mobility, with a top road speed of 70 km/h and an impressive cruising range of 500 kilometers.

Collaboration with China

Pakistan’s HIT partnered with China’s NORINCO and other defense manufacturers in producing the Haider. This is not the first time that two countries have worked together on one defense-related project.

In addition to the Haider tank, China and Pakistan have engaged in various defense initiatives, with the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet serving as a prominent illustration. Co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 Thunder stands as a multi-role combat aircraft manufactured in Pakistan and employed by the Pakistan Air Force. This enduring collaboration highlights the extent of the military alliance between the two nations.