The
FAARIS Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is a significant addition to Pakistan's defense capabilities, produced by
Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) under a licensed transfer of technology (ToT) agreement with China's
NORINCO. Based on the Chinese
VN-22, the FAARIS is designed to meet modern battlefield requirements.
Key Features of the FAARIS APC:
- Armor Protection: The FAARIS is built to withstand threats as per STANAG 4569 Level-4, providing robust protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
- Armament:
- Main Gun: Equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon, allowing for effective engagement of both ground and aerial targets.
- Secondary Armament:
- A 105 mm cannon for heavier firepower.
- Two HJ-12 anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), enhancing its anti-armor capabilities.
- A 12.7 mm heavy machine gun for suppressive fire.
- A 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun (Type 86) for close defense.
- Defensive Systems: The vehicle is fitted with the GL-6 Active Protection System (APS), which helps intercept incoming projectiles, thereby increasing crew survivability.
Strategic Importance:
The introduction of the FAARIS APC aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and enhance indigenous defense production capabilities. By leveraging technology transfers from China, Pakistan aims to develop advanced military hardware that meets contemporary operational demands.
Recent Developments:
The FAARIS APC was showcased at the
IDEAS 2024 defense exhibition in Karachi, where Pakistan signed multiple defense agreements worth approximately
$30 billion with various nations, further solidifying its commitment to enhancing its military capabilities through international collaboration.This vehicle represents a significant step forward in Pakistan's armored vehicle production and is expected to play a crucial role in future military operations, enhancing the operational effectiveness of the Pakistan Army.
