I know, its an outstanding tank, but it follows the same unique features of eastern tanks in terms of low height from the ground,
The advantage of a low height Tank is that it has a low silhouette which makes it harder to spot not to mention a smaller target, while most Western Tanks are big and stick out like a sour thumb, but they make up for that with their heavy and sophisticated armor while sacrificing maneuverability and speed.
relatively as light as Russian and Chinese tanks,
The lighter the Tank, the better.
has 3 crews+125 mm main gun+ auto-loader, almost has a very similar design to T-72/80. Actually western tanks doctrine of building tanks has proved its superiority over the eastern one.
Of course, western Tanks have proven to be superior, but against what? Monkey models sold to Arab countries by the Soviet Union? The Iraqi Tanks of Saddam's army were no match for the American and Western Tanks, the Soviet sold them crap downgraded Tanks.
Not denying the fact that Western Tanks have held a qualitative edge vs Soviet designed Tanks, but the two armies never met on the battlefield, not to mention present day Russian and Eastern Tanks are on par with Western Tanks in many aspects.
Pakistan was offered the M1A1's back in the late 80's, but we rejected it for many reasons:
1). It was too heavy and not suitable for our desert regions in South Eastern Pakistan.
2). It was too costly and required a lot of maintenance.
3). It was a fuel guzzler.
4). It made us dependent on the Americans.
So we went with our own project in a joint venture with the Chinese to produce a Tank suitable for our requirements as well as the environment of our region.
1). We customized our Al-Khalid Tanks with indigenous ERA as well as composite armor which has defeated various 120 and 125mm rounds.
2). We equipped our Al-Khalids with home made 125mm Guns.
3). We installed indigenous IBMS.
4). We installed French thermal imaging system
5). Home made laser detection/threat warning system.
6). Home made DU rounds.
7). Home made explosion suppression system.
8). Home made Engine compartment and fire extinguishing system.
9). Al-Khalid has a top speed of 72km's an hour, its powered by Ukrainian 6TD2 1,200 horse power engine.
10). Al-Khalid has Ukrainian as well as home made Active Protection Suit.
11). Al-Khalid has hunter killer capability.
12). Al-Khalid can fire Beam Riding Anti Tank Guided Missiles as well as Anti Helicopter missiles through its 125mm gun.
13). Al-Khalid is equipped with home made DU rounds.
14). It's not a fuel guzzler.
15). And most importantly we are not dependent on a unreliable partner like the USA who has a habit of withdrawing the supply of important parts of the Tank.