Al-Khalid tank (Type 90-IIM / MBT-2000) Information Pool

[Scorpiooo]

View attachment 740005
The two orignal contenders for AK engine.
On the left is a 1200 hp perkins engine and on the right is the eventual winner a 1200 hp 6td2.

Just the size difference is huge n just for that I would have picked 6td2 over perkins any day.

Almost 4 time larger engine on left side

 

[iLION12345_1]

Many people have confusion regarding the Al-Khalid project, they confuse it with other tanks in the same series or think that it’s a Chinese tank, so I had written this short article to try and explain the timeline as well as the indigenization of the Al-Khalid project. I have not discussed any specifications or numbers in it to keep it objective and to not have to bother with sources, as it’s entirely a factual article. I had written this for some foreign defense communities as they usually have confusion regarding this, but decided to post it here as well.
Planning to make similar articles for Al-Zarrar and the JF-17 project, because people think the former is just a Type 59 and the latter is a Chinese aircraft. Help is appreciated. Feel free to highlight Any mistakes, there’s bound to be something I missed or got wrong. Thank you.


NOTE: Chinese tanks are GENERALLY named according to the following convention:

Type XY-I/II/III-A/B/C (XY numbers denote generations, with type 59, 69 and 79 being first generation, 80, 85, 88 being second generation and 90, 96, 99 being third generation tanks. I/II/III denote the models of the tank, with the higher numbers being later models, the letters at the end denote further sub-variants within models, with consecutive letters meaning newer variants. If an older model, such as a Type-85-IIA is modernized, an M is added to its name, hence Type 85-IIAM.)

Background:

The Type 80 series was the second generation of Chinese MBTs. Type 85-IIA variant of this MBT was exported and was locally manufactured in Pakistan under the Designation Type-85-IIAP.
Eventually China decided to modernize the Type 85-IIA tank, both for local use and export. Pakistan also joined this modernization project. The prototypes of this modernization were tested in Pakistan and the funding was shared as well. Pakistan had joined this program as it would give them design and production rights to this tank, which they would use later to make Al-Khalid.
This new modernization was named Type-85-IIAM, this tank was later renamed Type 90-II and became China’s first third generation MBT, unveiled in 1991. This MBT was only offered for export, China did not adopt this MBT, instead they Made yet another version of the Type 80 series, called the Type 85-III, for local use, which was renamed Type 88C in Chinese service, and with further upgrades, was renamed Type 96, which continues to serve in PLA.

PART 1; Beginning of Al-Khalid program:

Pakistan, which had already been using Type-85–IIA tanks, decided to use the aforementioned Type 90-II platform for their next generation tank as well; they had gained the design and production rights to this tank as they had been partners with China in the project that created it.

NOTE: This is where many people get the idea that the Al-Khalid was a joint Pakistan-China project. The Al-Khalid uses No Chinese components apart from the base design. The Type 90-II was a joint Pakistan-China project. Not the Al-Khalid.

So Pakistan took the Hull and turret design of Type-90-II and set out to make their own tank with it. Pakistan did this because in the 1990s they did not have the capability to design their own tank from the ground up.

Timeline:

1991: Type 90-II is unveiled.

1992: Al-Khalid program starts at HIT. This is an entirely Pakistani funded program. The head of the program is Brigadier General Nasir Mehmood of the Pakistan army. Four prototypes are made:
P1: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader, FCS, German engine and transmission.
P2: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader. European (mainly French) FCS. British Engine, French transmission.
P3: Chinese 125mm gun, autoloader, European (mainly French) FCS. Ukrainian Engine and transmission.
P4: German NATO standard 120mm gun. Western (mainly German) FCS. German engine and Transmission.

NOTE: Pakistan generally preferred the western systems, particularly P1 and P2 prototypes, but due to Western sanctions on China, Pakistan could not get production licenses for these systems, later in 1998 Pakistan was also sanctioned by western countries due to its nuclear program so it was forced into picking P3 prototype.

2000: China releases its own modernized version of the Type 90-II, with entirely Chinese systems, called the Type 90-IIM (refer to the naming system explained above), also meant for export. China renames this Tank to VT-1 and offers it for export. Bangladesh bought these.

2001: Al-Khalid enters production. The production model is based on the P3 prototype, but with changes to further reduce Chinese technology from the tank.
NOTE: The parts of the Al-Khalid which were foreign sourced in the original production variant were slowly indigenized by Pakistan as it gained the capability to do so, these are covered later.

2010: Pakistan starts work on the Al-Khalid-1, which would be the second version of the Al-Khalid, despite its name.

2011: China unveils the VT1-A, a further improved version of its VT-1 export tank. This one is also aimed at export and has only Chinese components. Myanmar, Morocco and Peru bought these.

2017: Work on the Al-Khalid-1 is finished and it enters production. Al-Khalid (original) production is stopped.

NOTE: Keep in mind there have been two different variants of Al-Khalid-1 as well, the one that entered service in 2020 had some notable upgrades over the original one we saw in 2015-16, either very few or none of those entered service. The late induction of the tank was down to the project being slowed/halted due to the shortage of funds during the war on terror. They may have done the upgrade to bring it closer to modern technology as it was entering service late.

2020: Al-Khalid-1 Is inducted into the Pakistan army. Production continues. Development work on Al-Khalid 2 is also underway.

NOTE: The Chinese VT-4 tank is China's next export tank, replacing the VT-1A. It does carry on some of the design base of the Type 90-II hull, but it is an entirely different, and entirely Chinese tank, closer in capability to their Type 99A. It has been exported to Thailand, Nigeria and Pakistan (Pakistans version having some major upgrades over the former two.)



PART 2: Indigenization of the Al-Khalid:

While the original production variant used components from France, Germany, Pakistan and Ukraine, the current variants have been mostly indigenized by Pakistan.

Base armor: While the design for the turret and hull is Chinese, the armor of Al-Khalid is not identical to Chinese VT-1. The armor is designed by Pakistan with Ukrainian support, the composites on hull and turret as well as the NERA elements are thought to be based on Ukrainian designs but made by Pakistan. Armor was designed by HIT.

Explosive Reactive Armor: The Al-Khalid originally used AORAK-1 ERA. This ERA was rather quickly replaced with a better variant called AORAK-2. It is also used on Pakistani Al-Zarrar. Both of these ERAs are designed by Pakistani company GIDS.

Main Gun: Though the P3 prototype had a Chinese gun, Production models have a gun designed by HIT, it is a combination of the ZPT-98 and KBA3 (2A46) Gun designs. Originally gun blanks were imported from France then machined in Pakistan. Starting 2011 Pakistan started making guns locally, Germany helped Pakistan set up its gun manufacturing plant. The Autoloader was originally Ukrainian, similar design to T72 auto-loaders, but Al-Khalid-1 uses a new autoloader designed by pakistani company CARE. It is faster and can accommodate longer ammunition.

Ammunition: The standard Ammo was originally Pakistani APFSDS, which was simply designated APFSDS-T, Made by POF. Starting 2007 Naiza DU was inducted. It is basically Chinese 125-IIM APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid-1 can also fire newer Naiza-2, which is Chinese BTA-4/DTW-125 APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid (original) could not use these due to length limitation of the auto-loader. ATGMs are Russian.

Power pack: Al-Khalid used Ukrainian 6TD-2 engine. Al-Khalid-1 uses 6TD-2E engine. The latter being more efficient, power output is the same. Transmission is 7 forward 4 reverse gears, also Ukrainian. All of this is directly imported from Ukraine, Pakistan does not have the capability to make these locally, but is working on license production capability with Ukraine.

Fire control system: The FCS in the original AK was the ISFCS-122B, which is a Pakistani modified version of the Chinese ISFCS-122, it was upgraded with French assistance to accommodate features like auto-tracking. Al-Khalid-1 uses a new, entirely Pakistani FCS and GCS made by SHIBLI and HIT. The thermal sights in the Original system were Catherine FC, in the newer one they are SAGEM MATIS. Both are French sights made under license in Pakistan By GIDS (SAGEM MATIS) and SHIBLI (Catherine FC).

Other components:
The muzzle reference system as well as the Laser rangefinders are From HIT.
Laser warning receivers are from Pakistani company ALTCOP.
IBMS is designed by HIT and CARE.
The thermal coating on Al-Khalid is designed by HIT in collaboration with a Greek company, INTERMAT.
Radios, Air conditioning, the NBC protection system, Multi-functional displays and other smaller components were already indigenous in the original variant.

TLDR: The only foreign parts in Al-Khalid are The thermal sights and The power pack.

 

[Aryeih Leib]

Many people have confusion regarding the Al-Khalid project, they confuse it with other tanks in the same series or think that it’s a Chinese tank, so I had written this short article to try and explain the timeline as well as the indigenization of the Al-Khalid project. I have not discussed any specifications or numbers in it to keep it objective and to not have to bother with sources, as it’s entirely a factual article. I had written this for some foreign defense communities as they usually have confusion regarding this, but decided to post it here as well.
Planning to make similar articles for Al-Zarrar and the JF-17 project, because people think the former is just a Type 59 and the latter is a Chinese aircraft. Help is appreciated. Feel free to highlight Any mistakes, there’s bound to be something I missed or got wrong. Thank you.


NOTE: Chinese tanks are GENERALLY named according to the following convention:

Type XY-I/II/III-A/B/C (XY numbers denote generations, with type 59, 69 and 79 being first generation, 80, 85, 88 being second generation and 90, 96, 99 being third generation tanks. I/II/III denote the models of the tank, with the higher numbers being later models, the letters at the end denote further sub-variants within models, with consecutive letters meaning newer variants. If an older model, such as a Type-85-IIA is modernized, an M is added to its name, hence Type 85-IIAM.)

Background:

The Type 80 series was the second generation of Chinese MBTs. Type 85-IIA variant of this MBT was exported and was locally manufactured in Pakistan under the Designation Type-85-IIAP.
Eventually China decided to modernize the Type 85-IIA tank, both for local use and export. Pakistan also joined this modernization project. The prototypes of this modernization were tested in Pakistan and the funding was shared as well. Pakistan had joined this program as it would give them design and production rights to this tank, which they would use later to make Al-Khalid.
This new modernization was named Type-85-IIAM, this tank was later renamed Type 90-II and became China’s first third generation MBT, unveiled in 1991. This MBT was only offered for export, China did not adopt this MBT, instead they Made yet another version of the Type 80 series, called the Type 85-III, for local use, which was renamed Type 88C in Chinese service, and with further upgrades, was renamed Type 96, which continues to serve in PLA.

PART 1; Beginning of Al-Khalid program:

Pakistan, which had already been using Type-85–IIA tanks, decided to use the aforementioned Type 90-II platform for their next generation tank as well; they had gained the design and production rights to this tank as they had been partners with China in the project that created it.

NOTE: This is where many people get the idea that the Al-Khalid was a joint Pakistan-China project. The Al-Khalid uses No Chinese components apart from the base design. The Type 90-II was a joint Pakistan-China project. Not the Al-Khalid.

So Pakistan took the Hull and turret design of Type-90-II and set out to make their own tank with it. Pakistan did this because in the 1990s they did not have the capability to design their own tank from the ground up.

Timeline:

1991: Type 90-II is unveiled.

1992: Al-Khalid program starts at HIT. This is an entirely Pakistani funded program. The head of the program is Brigadier General Nasir Mehmood of the Pakistan army. Four prototypes are made:
P1: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader, FCS, German engine and transmission.
P2: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader. European (mainly French) FCS. British Engine, French transmission.
P3: Chinese 125mm gun, autoloader, European (mainly French) FCS. Ukrainian Engine and transmission.
P4: German NATO standard 120mm gun. Western (mainly German) FCS. German engine and Transmission.

NOTE: Pakistan generally preferred the western systems, particularly P1 and P2 prototypes, but due to Western sanctions on China, Pakistan could not get production licenses for these systems, later in 1998 Pakistan was also sanctioned by western countries due to its nuclear program so it was forced into picking P3 prototype.

2000: China releases its own modernized version of the Type 90-II, with entirely Chinese systems, called the Type 90-IIM (refer to the naming system explained above), also meant for export. China renames this Tank to VT-1 and offers it for export. Bangladesh bought these.

2001: Al-Khalid enters production. The production model is based on the P3 prototype, but with changes to further reduce Chinese technology from the tank.
NOTE: The parts of the Al-Khalid which were foreign sourced in the original production variant were slowly indigenized by Pakistan as it gained the capability to do so, these are covered later.

2010: Pakistan starts work on the Al-Khalid-1, which would be the second version of the Al-Khalid, despite its name.

2011: China unveils the VT1-A, a further improved version of its VT-1 export tank. This one is also aimed at export and has only Chinese components. Myanmar, Morocco and Peru bought these.

2017: Work on the Al-Khalid-1 is finished and it enters production. Al-Khalid (original) production is stopped.

NOTE: Keep in mind there have been two different variants of Al-Khalid-1 as well, the one that entered service in 2020 had some notable upgrades over the original one we saw in 2015-16, either very few or none of those entered service. The late induction of the tank was down to the project being slowed/halted due to the shortage of funds during the war on terror. They may have done the upgrade to bring it closer to modern technology as it was entering service late.

2020: Al-Khalid-1 Is inducted into the Pakistan army. Production continues. Development work on Al-Khalid 2 is also underway.

NOTE: The Chinese VT-4 tank is China's next export tank, replacing the VT-1A. It does carry on some of the design base of the Type 90-II hull, but it is an entirely different, and entirely Chinese tank, closer in capability to their Type 99A. It has been exported to Thailand, Nigeria and Pakistan (Pakistans version having some major upgrades over the former two.)



PART 2: Indigenization of the Al-Khalid:

While the original production variant used components from France, Germany, Pakistan and Ukraine, the current variants have been mostly indigenized by Pakistan.

Base armor: While the design for the turret and hull is Chinese, the armor of Al-Khalid is not identical to Chinese VT-1. The armor is designed by Pakistan with Ukrainian support, the composites on hull and turret as well as the NERA elements are thought to be based on Ukrainian designs but made by Pakistan. Armor was designed by HIT.

Explosive Reactive Armor: The Al-Khalid originally used AORAK-1 ERA. This ERA was rather quickly replaced with a better variant called AORAK-2. It is also used on Pakistani Al-Zarrar. Both of these ERAs are designed by Pakistani company GIDS.

Main Gun: Though the P3 prototype had a Chinese gun, Production models have a gun designed by HIT, it is a combination of the ZPT-98 and KBA3 (2A46) Gun designs. Originally gun blanks were imported from France then machined in Pakistan. Starting 2011 Pakistan started making guns locally, Germany helped Pakistan set up its gun manufacturing plant. The Autoloader was originally Ukrainian, similar design to T72 auto-loaders, but Al-Khalid-1 uses a new autoloader designed by pakistani company CARE. It is faster and can accommodate longer ammunition.

Ammunition: The standard Ammo was originally Pakistani APFSDS, which was simply designated APFSDS-T, Made by POF. Starting 2007 Naiza DU was inducted. It is basically Chinese 125-IIM APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid-1 can also fire newer Naiza-2, which is Chinese BTA-4/DTW-125 APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid (original) could not use these due to length limitation of the auto-loader. ATGMs are Russian.

Power pack: Al-Khalid used Ukrainian 6TD-2 engine. Al-Khalid-1 uses 6TD-2E engine. The latter being more efficient, power output is the same. Transmission is 7 forward 4 reverse gears, also Ukrainian. All of this is directly imported from Ukraine, Pakistan does not have the capability to make these locally, but is working on license production capability with Ukraine.

Fire control system: The FCS in the original AK was the ISFCS-122B, which is a Pakistani modified version of the Chinese ISFCS-122, it was upgraded with French assistance to accommodate features like auto-tracking. Al-Khalid-1 uses a new, entirely Pakistani FCS and GCS made by SHIBLI and HIT. The thermal sights in the Original system were Catherine FC, in the newer one they are SAGEM MATIS. Both are French sights made under license in Pakistan SHIBLI.

Other components:
The muzzle reference system as well as the Laser rangefinders are From HIT.
Laser warning receivers are from Pakistani company ALTCOP.
IBMS is designed by HIT and CARE.
The thermal coating on Al-Khalid is designed by HIT in collaboration with a Greek company, INTERMAT.
Radios, Air conditioning, the NBC protection system, Multi-functional displays and other smaller components were already indigenous in the original variant.

TLDR: The only foreign parts in Al-Khalid are The thermal sights and The power pack.

Can I share this on my facebook page with due credits ofcourse

 

[iLION12345_1]

Can I share this on my facebook page with due credits ofcourse

Of course, go ahead.

 

[Raja Porus]

Of course, go ahead.

Thanks for the effort.
The baseline AK can't fire the Naiza-2 ?
Also what's your estimate of the number of AKs( both baseline and I)

 

[iLION12345_1]

Thanks for the effort.
The baseline AK can't fire the Naiza-2 ?
Also what's your estimate of the number of AKs( both baseline and I)

Yes, the baseline AK cannot fire Naiza-2, it’s limited to shells of 700mm and under, need around 730mm for Naiza-2. (these are just my estimates though) With the auto-loader upgrade in AK-1 it can fire them. That’s also why PAs Type 85UGs can fire it, because they got the same auto-loader as AK-1. Currently apart from Al-Zarrar and baseline AK all PA tanks can fire Naiza-2.

As for numbers, at least 500 AKs and over 100 AK-1s with more in production (the first order was for 220, there will very likely be a follow up order.)
MODP yearbooks give around 420 for AK, but those are likely incorrect as it doesn’t make sense for the number of regiments and locations we have AKs in.

Video of the autoloader in AK-1 and Type 85UG (note foreign officers in the back).
This ones not only slightly faster, more reliable and can accommodate larger rounds, but is also solid state (no relays in the system) and fully reprogrammable. It also has its own display to show ammo count of each type as well as the number of empty trays. Also shows and helps diagnose any faults in the system.

 

[Tornado23]

Yes, the baseline AK cannot fire Naiza-2, it’s limited to shells of 700mm and under, need around 730mm for Naiza-2. (these are just my estimates though) With the auto-loader upgrade in AK-1 it can fire them. That’s also why PAs Type 85UGs can fire it, because they got the same auto-loader as AK-1. Currently apart from Al-Zarrar and baseline AK all PA tanks can fire Naiza-2.

As for numbers, at least 500 AKs and over 100 AK-1s with more in production (the first order was for 220, there will very likely be a follow up order.)
MODP yearbooks give around 420 for AK, but those are likely incorrect as it doesn’t make sense for the number of regiments and locations we have AKs in.

Video of the autoloader in AK-1 and Type 85UG (note foreign officers in the back).
This ones not only slightly faster, more reliable and can accommodate larger rounds, but is also solid state (no relays in the system) and fully reprogrammable. It also has its own display to show ammo count of each type as well as the number of empty trays. Also shows and helps diagnose any faults in the system.

What is the pent rating performance of the naiza 2 Apfsds round?

 

[iLION12345_1]

What is the pent rating performance of the naiza 2 Apfsds round?

For Naiza-1 it’s 220MM/66.5 degrees at 2 KM. For Naiza-2 it’s 220MM/68.5 Degrees at 2KM. Using simple LOS conversions these numbers are around 570-600MM/0 degrees and 630-650+MM/0 degrees at 2KM respectively. Naiza-1 is used on Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid. Naiza-2 can be used on Type 85UG, T80UD/T84, Al-Khalid-1 and VT-4.

For comparison the standard Indian Ammunition for its T90S tanks, the BM42, has a penetration of around 460MM/0 degrees at 2 KM. The standard ammo for Indian T72, the BM17 has about 300MM/0 Degrees at 2KM.
The standard ammunition in Russian service (excluding the T-14), The Svinets APFSDS, has similar penetration numbers to Naiza-2, while their optional Svinets-1 (and newer designs for T-14) have higher numbers.

Keep in mind all of these numbers at 0 degrees are rough LOS calculations and in real life they are generally lower, these are kinda calculated under ideal standards, in real life there’s so many more factors, but these can give an estimate of performance.

 

[Tornado23]

For Naiza-1 it’s 220MM/66.5 degrees at 2 KM. For Naiza-2 it’s 220MM/68.5 Degrees at 2KM. Using simple LOS conversions these numbers are around 570-600MM/0 degrees and 630-650+MM/0 degrees at 2KM respectively. Naiza-1 is used on Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid. Naiza-2 can be used on Type 85UG, T80UD/T84, Al-Khalid-1 and VT-4.

For comparison the standard Indian Ammunition for its T90S tanks, the BM42, has a penetration of around 460MM/0 degrees at 2 KM. The standard ammo for Indian T72, the BM17 has about 300MM/0 Degrees at 2KM.
The standard ammunition in Russian service (excluding the T-14), The Svinets APFSDS, has similar penetration numbers to Naiza-2, while their optional Svinets-1 (and newer designs for T-14) have higher numbers.

Keep in mind all of these numbers at 0 degrees are rough LOS calculations and in real life they are generally lower, these are kinda calculated under ideal standards, in real life there’s so many more factors, but these can give an estimate of performance.

Thank you for this. It's much needed info. I never really knew we made the naiza 2. I thought we were using the 125II round for our tanks.

Also bm17 for the t72? In this day and age? Holy crap that's terrible.

 

[Sifar zero]

Many people have confusion regarding the Al-Khalid project, they confuse it with other tanks in the same series or think that it’s a Chinese tank, so I had written this short article to try and explain the timeline as well as the indigenization of the Al-Khalid project. I have not discussed any specifications or numbers in it to keep it objective and to not have to bother with sources, as it’s entirely a factual article. I had written this for some foreign defense communities as they usually have confusion regarding this, but decided to post it here as well.
Planning to make similar articles for Al-Zarrar and the JF-17 project, because people think the former is just a Type 59 and the latter is a Chinese aircraft. Help is appreciated. Feel free to highlight Any mistakes, there’s bound to be something I missed or got wrong. Thank you.


NOTE: Chinese tanks are GENERALLY named according to the following convention:

Type XY-I/II/III-A/B/C (XY numbers denote generations, with type 59, 69 and 79 being first generation, 80, 85, 88 being second generation and 90, 96, 99 being third generation tanks. I/II/III denote the models of the tank, with the higher numbers being later models, the letters at the end denote further sub-variants within models, with consecutive letters meaning newer variants. If an older model, such as a Type-85-IIA is modernized, an M is added to its name, hence Type 85-IIAM.)

Background:

The Type 80 series was the second generation of Chinese MBTs. Type 85-IIA variant of this MBT was exported and was locally manufactured in Pakistan under the Designation Type-85-IIAP.
Eventually China decided to modernize the Type 85-IIA tank, both for local use and export. Pakistan also joined this modernization project. The prototypes of this modernization were tested in Pakistan and the funding was shared as well. Pakistan had joined this program as it would give them design and production rights to this tank, which they would use later to make Al-Khalid.
This new modernization was named Type-85-IIAM, this tank was later renamed Type 90-II and became China’s first third generation MBT, unveiled in 1991. This MBT was only offered for export, China did not adopt this MBT, instead they Made yet another version of the Type 80 series, called the Type 85-III, for local use, which was renamed Type 88C in Chinese service, and with further upgrades, was renamed Type 96, which continues to serve in PLA.

PART 1; Beginning of Al-Khalid program:

Pakistan, which had already been using Type-85–IIA tanks, decided to use the aforementioned Type 90-II platform for their next generation tank as well; they had gained the design and production rights to this tank as they had been partners with China in the project that created it.

NOTE: This is where many people get the idea that the Al-Khalid was a joint Pakistan-China project. The Al-Khalid uses No Chinese components apart from the base design. The Type 90-II was a joint Pakistan-China project. Not the Al-Khalid.

So Pakistan took the Hull and turret design of Type-90-II and set out to make their own tank with it. Pakistan did this because in the 1990s they did not have the capability to design their own tank from the ground up.

Timeline:

1991: Type 90-II is unveiled.

1992: Al-Khalid program starts at HIT. This is an entirely Pakistani funded program. The head of the program is Brigadier General Nasir Mehmood of the Pakistan army. Four prototypes are made:
P1: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader, FCS, German engine and transmission.
P2: Chinese 125mm gun, auto loader. European (mainly French) FCS. British Engine, French transmission.
P3: Chinese 125mm gun, autoloader, European (mainly French) FCS. Ukrainian Engine and transmission.
P4: German NATO standard 120mm gun. Western (mainly German) FCS. German engine and Transmission.

NOTE: Pakistan generally preferred the western systems, particularly P1 and P2 prototypes, but due to Western sanctions on China, Pakistan could not get production licenses for these systems, later in 1998 Pakistan was also sanctioned by western countries due to its nuclear program so it was forced into picking P3 prototype.

2000: China releases its own modernized version of the Type 90-II, with entirely Chinese systems, called the Type 90-IIM (refer to the naming system explained above), also meant for export. China renames this Tank to VT-1 and offers it for export. Bangladesh bought these.

2001: Al-Khalid enters production. The production model is based on the P3 prototype, but with changes to further reduce Chinese technology from the tank.
NOTE: The parts of the Al-Khalid which were foreign sourced in the original production variant were slowly indigenized by Pakistan as it gained the capability to do so, these are covered later.

2010: Pakistan starts work on the Al-Khalid-1, which would be the second version of the Al-Khalid, despite its name.

2011: China unveils the VT1-A, a further improved version of its VT-1 export tank. This one is also aimed at export and has only Chinese components. Myanmar, Morocco and Peru bought these.

2017: Work on the Al-Khalid-1 is finished and it enters production. Al-Khalid (original) production is stopped.

NOTE: Keep in mind there have been two different variants of Al-Khalid-1 as well, the one that entered service in 2020 had some notable upgrades over the original one we saw in 2015-16, either very few or none of those entered service. The late induction of the tank was down to the project being slowed/halted due to the shortage of funds during the war on terror. They may have done the upgrade to bring it closer to modern technology as it was entering service late.

2020: Al-Khalid-1 Is inducted into the Pakistan army. Production continues. Development work on Al-Khalid 2 is also underway.

NOTE: The Chinese VT-4 tank is China's next export tank, replacing the VT-1A. It does carry on some of the design base of the Type 90-II hull, but it is an entirely different, and entirely Chinese tank, closer in capability to their Type 99A. It has been exported to Thailand, Nigeria and Pakistan (Pakistans version having some major upgrades over the former two.)



PART 2: Indigenization of the Al-Khalid:

While the original production variant used components from France, Germany, Pakistan and Ukraine, the current variants have been mostly indigenized by Pakistan.

Base armor: While the design for the turret and hull is Chinese, the armor of Al-Khalid is not identical to Chinese VT-1. The armor is designed by Pakistan with Ukrainian support, the composites on hull and turret as well as the NERA elements are thought to be based on Ukrainian designs but made by Pakistan. Armor was designed by HIT.

Explosive Reactive Armor: The Al-Khalid originally used AORAK-1 ERA. This ERA was rather quickly replaced with a better variant called AORAK-2. It is also used on Pakistani Al-Zarrar. Both of these ERAs are designed by Pakistani company GIDS.

Main Gun: Though the P3 prototype had a Chinese gun, Production models have a gun designed by HIT, it is a combination of the ZPT-98 and KBA3 (2A46) Gun designs. Originally gun blanks were imported from France then machined in Pakistan. Starting 2011 Pakistan started making guns locally, Germany helped Pakistan set up its gun manufacturing plant. The Autoloader was originally Ukrainian, similar design to T72 auto-loaders, but Al-Khalid-1 uses a new autoloader designed by pakistani company CARE. It is faster and can accommodate longer ammunition.

Ammunition: The standard Ammo was originally Pakistani APFSDS, which was simply designated APFSDS-T, Made by POF. Starting 2007 Naiza DU was inducted. It is basically Chinese 125-IIM APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid-1 can also fire newer Naiza-2, which is Chinese BTA-4/DTW-125 APFSDS produced in Pakistan. Al-Khalid (original) could not use these due to length limitation of the auto-loader. ATGMs are Russian.

Power pack: Al-Khalid used Ukrainian 6TD-2 engine. Al-Khalid-1 uses 6TD-2E engine. The latter being more efficient, power output is the same. Transmission is 7 forward 4 reverse gears, also Ukrainian. All of this is directly imported from Ukraine, Pakistan does not have the capability to make these locally, but is working on license production capability with Ukraine.

Fire control system: The FCS in the original AK was the ISFCS-122B, which is a Pakistani modified version of the Chinese ISFCS-122, it was upgraded with French assistance to accommodate features like auto-tracking. Al-Khalid-1 uses a new, entirely Pakistani FCS and GCS made by SHIBLI and HIT. The thermal sights in the Original system were Catherine FC, in the newer one they are SAGEM MATIS. Both are French sights made under license in Pakistan SHIBLI.

Other components:
The muzzle reference system as well as the Laser rangefinders are From HIT.
Laser warning receivers are from Pakistani company ALTCOP.
IBMS is designed by HIT and CARE.
The thermal coating on Al-Khalid is designed by HIT in collaboration with a Greek company, INTERMAT.
Radios, Air conditioning, the NBC protection system, Multi-functional displays and other smaller components were already indigenous in the original variant.

TLDR: The only foreign parts in Al-Khalid are The thermal sights and The power pack.

But Shibli does not have the french sights you mentioned in their product catalogue.

 

[iLION12345_1]

Thank you for this. It's much needed info. I never really knew we made the naiza 2. I thought we were using the 125II round for our tanks.

Also bm17 for the t72? In this day and age? Holy crap that's terrible.

originally Pakistani Al-Khalids, T80UDs, Al-Zarrars and Type 85s were using POFs APFSDS-T, which is pretty much the same as BM-42. By this I mean in the 90s, while india got BM42 starting 2015 and were still buying it in 2019.
We got the design from the Ukrainians. As far as I’m aware Pakistan has never used 125-II.

Pakistan instead went for Naiza-1 (125-IIM), which is basically the depleted uranium version of 125-II, it was inducted a few years after APFSDS-T and used along side it, With the former being the standard projectile and the latter being carried for harder targets, along with ATGMs.
I believe this setup is still followed, as it’s more cost effective. Something like the Naiza is overkill for T72s and Arjuns, I wonder if they are trained specifically to identify different Indian tanks and change projectiles accordingly.

Naiza-2 is basically Chinese DTW-125/BTA-4 APFSDS, the next step from 125-IIM and a step below the Chinese 125-III (used only in their Type 99A models, other Chinese tanks also use BTA-4),
I’m not sure just how many Pakistan has produced itself or if it still produces them, but I know for sure local production was considered as Naiza-2 was brought up a few times at POF before VT-4 was inducted.
These are currently used as the standard ammunition in our VT-4s and may also be used alongside Other ammunition in Type 85UG, AK-1, T80UD, so I assume they are being produced locally now. POF definitely has the capability to make them. Either way, it’s confirmed that PA uses them.

And yes, BM17, I’m unsure if modernized Indian T72s can fire BM42, I assume they can, but 800 or so of their active T72 (and all the ones in reserve) are stock. They cannot fire anything better than a BM17 due to the limitations of their FCS.

 

[iLION12345_1]

But Shibli does not have the french sights you mentioned in their product catalogue.

That’s because they’d rather offer their own stuff, these contracts to SHIBLI and GIDS were from the armed forces especially, not offered for commercial usage.
SHIBLI was mostly involved in the projects related to Catherine Thermal sights for Original Al-Khalid, T80UD, Type 85 and our older tanks. While GIDS was involved in the AK-1 project to build and integrate SAGEM MATIS sights, both of these were joint projects with the European companies that make these systems, THALES and SAGEM (now SAFRAN S.A).

Upgradation of 105mm Tanks with Catherine FC Thermal Imaging System.

THALES OPTRONICS .S.A & SHIBLI ELECTRONICS have been awarded a Major Contract for the Upgradation of 105mm Tanks with Catherine FC Thermal Imaging System. Thales Optronics.S.A will be the prime Contractor where as Shibli Electronics would be the Subcontractor in Pakistan. The Production and...

defence.pk

Inhouse Integration/ manufacturing of thermal imagers, Optics, fire control systems for AFVs

Shibli Electronics licensed Key Industrial Partner of Thales provides the best innovative Thermal Imaging systems integration solutions for various land platforms including Armored Vehicles and Mechanized Infantry. The highly skilled and THALES certified manpower including engineers and...

defence.pk

 

[Sifar zero]

That’s because they’d rather offer their own stuff, these contracts to SHIBLI and GIDS were from the armed forces especially, not offered for commercial usage.
SHIBLI was mostly involved in the projects related to Catherine Thermal sights for Original Al-Khalid, T80UD, Type 85 and our older tanks. While GIDS was involved in the AK-1 project to build and integrate SAGEM MATIS sights, both of these were joint projects with the European companies that make these systems, THALES and SAGEM (now SAFRAN S.A).

Upgradation of 105mm Tanks with Catherine FC Thermal Imaging System.

THALES OPTRONICS .S.A & SHIBLI ELECTRONICS have been awarded a Major Contract for the Upgradation of 105mm Tanks with Catherine FC Thermal Imaging System. Thales Optronics.S.A will be the prime Contractor where as Shibli Electronics would be the Subcontractor in Pakistan. The Production and...

defence.pk

Inhouse Integration/ manufacturing of thermal imagers, Optics, fire control systems for AFVs

Shibli Electronics licensed Key Industrial Partner of Thales provides the best innovative Thermal Imaging systems integration solutions for various land platforms including Armored Vehicles and Mechanized Infantry. The highly skilled and THALES certified manpower including engineers and...

defence.pk

What else does Shibli produce?

 

[iLION12345_1]

What else does Shibli produce?

SHIBLI has their own entire range of thermal sights, both smaller weapon mounted ones and larger handheld and vehicle mounted ones, they are all in use by Pakistans armed forces. Namely the SKUA and TARSIER series of thermals. They also make border surveillance systems (I believe these may also be in use on the western border) as well as commercial thermal cameras, security systems, networking, wiring etc.
They were also involved in integration work for these foreign thermals into Pakistani tanks. As I mentioned in the original post, the Fire control system of Al-Khalid was designed by SHIBLI. You can check the second thread in my previous post to see more of their products.

 

[Tornado23]

originally Pakistani Al-Khalids, T80UDs, Al-Zarrars and Type 85s were using POFs APFSDS-T, which is pretty much the same as BM-42. By this I mean in the 90s, while india got BM42 starting 2015 and were still buying it in 2019.
We got the design from the Ukrainians. As far as I’m aware Pakistan has never used 125-II.

Pakistan instead went for Naiza-1 (125-IIM), which is basically the depleted uranium version of 125-II, it was inducted a few years after APFSDS-T and used along side it, With the former being the standard projectile and the latter being carried for harder targets, along with ATGMs.
I believe this setup is still followed, as it’s more cost effective. Something like the Naiza is overkill for T72s and Arjuns, I wonder if they are trained specifically to identify different Indian tanks and change projectiles accordingly.

Naiza-2 is basically Chinese DTW-125/BTA-4 APFSDS, the next step from 125-IIM and a step below the Chinese 125-III (used only in their Type 99A models, other Chinese tanks also use BTA-4),
I’m not sure just how many Pakistan has produced itself or if it still produces them, but I know for sure local production was considered as Naiza-2 was brought up a few times at POF before VT-4 was inducted.
These are currently used as the standard ammunition in our VT-4s and may also be used alongside Other ammunition in Type 85UG, AK-1, T80UD, so I assume they are being produced locally now. POF definitely has the capability to make them. Either way, it’s confirmed that PA uses them.

And yes, BM17, I’m unsure if modernized Indian T72s can fire BM42, I assume they can, but 800 or so of their active T72 (and all the ones in reserve) are stock. They cannot fire anything better than a BM17 due to the limitations of their FCS.

Again thank you for this.