Al-Zarrar Tanks: Handed-Over to Pakistan Army
By Shama Faysal - Pakistan Times Special Correspondent
TAXILA: A fleet of the indigenously modernized and upgraded al-Zarrar Tank, with its configuration of an excellent power to weight ratio, enhanced firepower, high mobility, all weather day and night fighting-capability, explosive reactive armour and the latest 125 mm smooth bore gun, which is compatible with any modern tank of the world, was handed over to Pakistan Army at a superb ceremony, held at at the Heavy Industries Taxila [HIT], almost 40 Kms off the capital city of Islamabad Thursday.
While making a new epoch for the nations defence by entrusting the flotilla to Army, President General Pervez Musharraf re-affirmed the pledge that security, integrity and solidarity of the country will never be compromised.
Perspective
The al-Zarrar Tank based on the T-59 has been in use for over 30 years and was being upgraded under a phased programme since 1990. The second phase launched in 1998 with 50 upgrade features has given a quantum technological leap to the old war machine.
The HIT keeping in view the large number of tanks in the inventory of Pakistan Army launched the project to keep these operationally and technologically compatible with the modern warfare needs.
The improvement of the T-59 tank has been done through upgradation in fire power, mobility and armour protection at almost half the cost of similar tanks.
A Powerful 730 HP
The al-Zarrar boasts a powerful 730 HP engine with upgraded suspension and a 125mm smooth bore gun with semi automatic loading mechanism. The tank has image stabilized sights and an upgraded fire control system.
Minimum Deterrence
Speaking at the ceremony President and Chief of Army Staff, Gen Pervez Musharraf said that "we do not want to involve our self in any arms race but we want to maintain the minimum deterrence level essential for our security."
He said maximum reliance on indigenization gives us an affordable method of deterrence and to maintaining our forces.
Economic Growth
"Pakistan is conscious of its priorities towards economic development and poverty alleviation, but within these limitations the security of nation and the integrity and solidarity of Pakistan will never be compromised," said the President.
He said the event today demonstrates maturity of our indigenised defence production capabilities and self-reliance. Pakistan remains very aware of the debilitating effects of the sanctions in the past. "We follow a very cost-effective and affordable solution which forms the hallmark of all our military development," he added.
Musharraf said, Pakistan's strategy of minimum deterrence in conventional and unconventional fields is a very cost-effective concept. He said in conventional deterrence and also to realize the offensive nature of our defence strategy, armour plays an effective role. "It gives offensive punch to the army."
The President said: "It is this offensive punch which will end any war on a positive note."
The Armour Coprs
The armour corps, he said, ought to be very proud of itself for getting the very latest tanks in the world. In the coming years, they will be getting AlKhalid, Al Zarrar and T80 UD tanks, putting them along with the best armoured forces in the world, he added.
President Musharraf said the project of rebuilding and modernisation of T-59 tanks into modern fighting machines has caused savings in millions in foreign exchange to the national exchequer.
Al-Zarrar: Excellent Power to Weight Ratio
President Gen Musharraf said that Al-Zarrar with its configuration of an excellent power to weight ratio, enhanced firepower, high mobility, all weather day and night fighting capability, explosive reactive armour and the latest 125 mm smooth bore gun is compatible with any modern tank of the world.
President expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership, which assisted in the project. He described it a symbol of Pak-China's time tested friendship. He said the indigenisation of tanks and aircraft reflect country's close ties with China.
Appreciation
The President was also highly appreciative of the efforts of the engineers and technicians of HIT for their hard work and dedication towards achieving self-reliance in defence production.
The President earlier handed over the tanks to Pakistan Army. 25 indigenously built "Mohafiz" Armoured Security vehicles were also handed over to Pakistan Police.
The First Batch
Major General Israr Ahmed Ghumman Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila said this was the first batch of Al-Zarrar tanks and have gone through extensive field tests and trials before entering the production line.
He said the tank has a high rate of fire and is capable of engaging accurately all types of static or moving targets. He said the extra multi-tier armour protection in the form of Add-on Armour, Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) and reshaping can defeat most of the kinetic and chemical energy ammunition with great degree of protection.
The Chairman HIT said the tank which falls into the category of a medium weight tank of 40 tons and a 730 HP engine provides low ground pressure through rubber tracks.
Demonstration
The President also witnessed a demonstration of Al-Zarrar tanks. The tanks showed their high mobility by performing skid turns. It also showed 360 degree turns with either the gun locked onto a moving target or onto a fixed target as the hull rotated.
Mohafiz: The Guardian
The President also inspected the security vehicle Mohafiz designed and manufactured at Heavy Industries Taxila. The vehicle is based on the chassis of a commercial vehicle for ease of maintenance and support.
The hull of this vehicle has been fabricated using welded Aluminum Armour. It has a 360 degrees rotating turret at the top for the commander. The wind screens are bullet proof and has run flat tires. The seating capacity is for 8 persons and has 10 firing ports on the rear and both sides.
The vehicle also has a Weapon Tear Gas Shell Thrower, a 7.62 mm machine gun, communication and public address system, siren and search light.
Briefing
Later President Musharraf attended a briefing about the activities of Heavy Industries Taxila HIT and projects it was working upon. He took a round of equipment display of indigenous products made by HIT, including tanks, APCs, guns and their parts, which have saved considerable foreign exchange to the country.
The products included Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank, the newly inducted Al- arrar, Armoured Command Post "Sakb", two modified versions of the Armoured Personnel Carrier "Saad" built on the chassis of M113.
The newer products were Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle "Al-Hadeed" which contains hydraulic winches and carries complete mobile workshop.
Self Propelled Gun SP109
The President also evinced keen interest in the Self Propelled gun SP109 which now boasts improved fire power with greater accuracy.
The HIT had also put on display Armoured guard posts with different configurations, besides "Negheban" a prototype of cash van.
AARDIC and HITEC
President Musharraf also laid the foundation stone for Advance Armour Research and Development Complex (AARDIC) and HIT Education Complex (HITEC).
The AARDIC project is aimed at research and development into high tech equipment used in Tanks, Armoured Personnel Carriers and guns.
The HITEC is aimed at providing quality education at a large complex housing educational institutes and residential accommodation for teachers.
The event was also attended by Vice Chief of the Army Staff General Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro, Federal Interior Minister Faisal Saleh Hayat and Defence Minister Rao Sikander Iqbal.
