Pakistan’s Haider Main Battle Tank Unveiled

According to a Pakistan Armed Forces’ Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, Pakistan’s state-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has unveiled the Haider main battle tank (MBT) in a ‘roll out ceremony’ on March 7 at the firm’s Rawalpindi manufacturing facility.

Attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan alongside senior members from NORINCO, HIT and the Pakistani government and military, the ceremony was graced by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir as the chief guest. Gen Munir was then briefed in detail of the technical capabilities of the Haider and its progress on the goal towards indigenisation of its armaments.

In a collaborative effort with China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) and domestic local industries, HIT was able to manufacture the Haider for the Pakistan Army though the timeline of its introduction into service is still yet to be disclosed. The Haider is a licenced variant of NORINCO’s VT4 MBT.

“HAIDER embodies cutting-edge technology and impressive capability in the domain of tank warfare having remarkable firepower, protection and manoeuvre characteristics. Crafted with state-of-the-art advanced technologies, HAIDER stands as a testament to Pakistani defence industry’s relentless pursuit of excellence in defence innovation”, the press release stated.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:Inter-Services Public Relations )