Strength Through Self-Reliance

[Zarvan]

Special Report By: Mariam Nida

At the time of partition in 1947, none of the 16 ordnance factories that existed in the sub-continent fell into Pakistan’s territory as these existed on the Indian side of the border. On the directives of first prime minister of Pakistan, Liaqat Ali Khan, an ordnance factory was established for manufacturing ammunition in 1951. Subsequently, the second prime minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Nazim-ud-Din laid the foundation of Pakistan Ordnance Factories with the cooperation of British Royal Ordnance in Wah. After 1971 war, huge resources were spent on defence imports, and with that came the realization of the need for self reliance in manufacturing defence equipment. Then in 1971, with Chinese assistance, a Heavy Rebuild Foundry Project was conceived to rebuild T-59 tanks. The capabilities and experience acquired in enhancing firepower, mobility and protection grew into a military industrial complex and renamed as Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) in September 1992.



In continuation of its evolution to achieve strategic autonomy and become self sufficient in major armaments, HIT has acquired assets and expanded operations to span a wide spectrum of capability. Presently it comprises 6 production units, a support facility and a Research and Development Centre. It has a vast military industrial base specializing in manufacturing, rebuilding and upgradation of a wide variety of military and security equipment. HIT manufactures, rebuilds, upgrades and develops tanks, tank-guns and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs). The surplus capacity of the factories is utilized to meet the requirements of civil sector and friendly countries.



The manufactured equipment is being extensively used by Pakistan Army as well as other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). The efficacy of HIT products has been amply demonstrated in the war against terrorism. Amid growing global security threats, HIT has extensively focused on development of related security products with optimum level of protection. The product line includes the following prominent security equipment:



Armoured Security Vehicle Dragoon

The Dragoon Armoured Security Vehicle is a specially designed multi-purpose fighting vehicle offering high firepower with upto 90 mm weapon systems’ calibre, as well as high protection levels and outstanding mobility. The vehicle can be easily converted into any configuration due to its modular weapon interface design and quick add-on protection kit installation. The Dragoon 2 AFV offers excellent mobility in all conditions due to its heavy duty off-road suspension design, high power-to-weight ratio and amphibious capability. The Dragoon is reliable, simple to operate and provides for quick and easy service and maintenance through many vehicle features, including its “power pack” design which allows easy field removal and replacement in less than one hour by mechanics, with no loss of any fluids. In addition, the vehicle has a high commonality with current M113 APCs in use world over while using the same engine and electrical parts.


Armoured Security Vehicle Protector

Armoured Security Vehicle Protector is a light weight composite manufactured on the chassis of Toyota Land Cruiser LC-79 having B7 level protection against 7.62x51 mm armour piercing round at 10 metre distance.


APC Talha

APC Talha is an all terrain, amphibious infantry support vehicle with 12.7 mm machine gun as its main armament. Adequate crew compartment space provides excellent crew comfort. Survivability is enhanced through the use of external fuel tanks.


Tank Al-Khalid-I

T
Tank Al Khalid-I is an upgraded variant of tank Al Khalid, the main battle tank jointly developed by Pakistan and China during the 1990s. It has an increased ammunition capacity of 49 125 mm rounds, 1, 500 12.7 mm rounds and 7,100 7.62 mm rounds. It incorporates modifications made to the fire control system which is now a more advanced multi process fire control computer with up to 7 km effective identification range.


Tank Al-Zarar

In order to enable T-59 Tank to remain current, an upgradation project named Al- Zarrar was conceived exploiting its maximum stretch potential. A number of prototypes were developed on sound R&D basis for comparative evaluation and trials to ascertain viability of upgradation/performance improvements. On successful completion of trials, Pakistan Army has decided to induct 500 tanks. Its series production commenced in January 2003.


Light Armoured Vehicle Muhafiz-II (Steel)(B6 Level Protection)

Light Armoured Vehicle has a welded steel armour hull along with ballistic steel ricochet angles all around. The hull is protected against 7.62 mm bullet at 10 metre range. The vehicle has rotating turret at the top, thus facilitating all around control by the commander. The vehicle has bullet proof wind screen and run flat tyres. Seating capacity is 8 persons with 6 firing ports on sides.


Light Armoured Vehicle Muhafiz-III (B7 Level Protection)

The performance of these products is at par with its peers in the world market. The stringest quality control procedures enable HIT to attain the highest quality standards. The manufactured products have endured comprehensive tests and trials by the valued customers. Besides an excellent demonstrated performance, the products are offered at very competitive prices with assured after-sales service and an efficient logistics back up support. In recent years, HIT has extensively focused on technology upgradation as this is the key to quality enhancement. All the factories are ISO 9001-2008 certified. Project management reviews are regularly carried out which enable the industries to remain relevant in the fast changing world of technology. Money is regularly spent on balancing, modernization and rehabilitation (BMR). In this regard, contracts have been concluded with Czech Republic for refurbishment of SKODA CNC machines and new machines are also being inducted. In future, HIT wants to go for automation and robotic welding.


Bullet Proof Jacket (BPJ) NIJ Level IV

This Bullet Proof Jacket provides NIJ level protection against 7.62x51 mm Armour Piercing (AP) round at 10 metre distance. This Bullet Proof Jacket provides NIJ-III protection against 7.62x51 mm NATO Ball at 10 metre distance. Bullet Proof Vest with NIJ IIIA level provides protection against 9mm TT pistol at 10 metre distance.


The writer is Deputy Assistant Director Exports at HIT.

http://hilal.gov.pk/index.php/layouts/item/1949-strength-through-self-reliance
@Bilal Khan (Quwa)

 

[Zarvan]

The article is year old but still good enough. People I didn't knew HIT is making Bullet Proof vests also and if they are and according to claim of author they provide protection against 7.62 X 51 caliber than Why we haven't seen then with our troops and Why Rangers still have to use these crap vests

@Tipu7 @Sulman Badshah @Horus @Oscar @WebMaster @The Eagle @fatman17 @Path-Finder @Arsalan

 

[Zarvan]

This is NJIA Level IV Vest along with Level III PASGT Helmet currently going through testing in HIT. A great step towards self reliance in Personnel Armor Gear.

This is what a friend posted on my facebook group.

 

[Gryphon]

Tank Al-Zarar

In order to enable T-59 Tank to remain current, an upgradation project named Al- Zarrar was conceived exploiting its maximum stretch potential. A number of prototypes were developed on sound R&D basis for comparative evaluation and trials to ascertain viability of upgradation/performance improvements. On successful completion of trials, Pakistan Army has decided to induct 500 tanks. Its series production commenced in January 2003.

As of January 2014, HIT had already upgraded 486 T-59 tanks to Al-Zarrar (Senate Report). This could be the reason for starting Oplot & VT4 trials (under the 50 ton+ Al-Haider project) in 2015.

 

[Hassan Guy]

Please carry on, the country needs to be fully self reliant in every sector of defence.

 

[Imtiaz New York]

Our ordinance factories make the best weapons for the country, why don't they make sophisticated weapons for our other law enforcement agencies like the police & others. Our politicians buy weapons for law enforcement from other countries so they get kickbacks because these bastards only care about their own pockets. Why not to hang those politicians involved in kickbacks, why don't we vote for the most trustworthy people who make the country strong, people like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Ghulam Ishaq khan who are not among us anymore. We only elect scums like ourselves.
GOD help those who help themselves.
Our actions are worse than nonbelievers

The article is year old but still good enough. People I didn't knew HIT is making Bullet Proof vests also and if they are and according to claim of author they provide protection against 7.62 X 51 caliber than Why we haven't seen then with our troops and Why Rangers still have to use these crap vests

@Tipu7 @Sulman Badshah @Horus @Oscar @WebMaster @The Eagle @fatman17 @Path-Finder @Arsalan

Hang a few traitors politicians then you will see the result, our people fear prison or hanging than fear Allah (s.w.t)
Fake people, corrupt to the bone, traitors who sell their mothers for a dollar

 

[19CavPK]

At the time of partition in 1947, none of the 16 ordnance factories that existed in the sub-continent fell into Pakistan’s territory as these existed on the Indian side of the border.

This is a good article with a great intention in mind. However; there may be an error on this particular front which I have quoted. During the WWII, there was a large defense production setup in Lahore. The Pakistan Railways Workshops (near Royal Palm Golf and Country Club) that we see today were a full fledged factory that was producing Tank Hulls for the M4 Shermans.

Also, there was a large setup/production facility on Multan road that used to manufacture external fuel tanks (Drop tanks) that we see on Spitfires and P-51/D Mustangs from that era. Furthermore, they used to manufacture 200lbs drop bombs as well. It is said that these facilities took a great deal of heists during the partition and were looted for scrap. That piece of land is now covered by hundreds of houses.

No I know how to upload an image here... So here is the area of that workshop identified on a map. Which has now been devolved and distributed and sold off. Royal Palm Country and Golf club is also on that piece of land. A national asset that has been destroyed by the political motives of a few individuals.

 

[Zarvan]

HIT bullet proof jackets

 

[Fledgingwings]

I do wish to see that time in my life when pakistan stands as a full self reliant muslim country in the 21st century with its own assets and resorces.May that time come soon

 

[The SC]

I do wish to see that time in my life when pakistan stands as a full self reliant muslim country in the 21st century with its own assets and resorces.May that time come soon

It is better yet to cooperate with other Muslim countries as it is doing with China, that will multiply the resources and as the saying goes" two heads are better than one"..

 

[Fledgingwings]

It is better yet to cooperate with other Muslim countries as it is doing with China, that will multiply the resources and as the saying goes" two heads are better than one"..

Right ! I wish pakistan uproots this terrorism menace and start a new and meaningful Alliance with muslim countries that wont end up like OIC.The current Gulf crisis also needs to be settled as its affecting many of the NON GULF muslim countries economically.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Need more experience in Curved design in vehicles most of the vehicle designs are very box like crude design. For most of the metallic designs for machinery our designs are always very Box like

Need more improvement when it comes to developed curved surface designs in vehicle designs military / civilian or even in Aviation sector

Just a general observation in lack of curved design and parts in Engineering and Machining

Example
Box like

Vs a bit more curved surface

 

[19CavPK]

Need more experience in Curved design in vehicles most of the vehicle designs are very box like crude design. For most of the metallic designs for machinery our designs are always very Box like

Bhai Jaan.. Its military hardware and not some beauty pageant. Military hardware is supposed to be gruesome and bulky and box like. Look at any military jeeps and vehicles from around the world and let me know if you find the kind you are looking for!

 

[Advocate Pakistan]

Need more experience in Curved design in vehicles most of the vehicle designs are very box like crude design. For most of the metallic designs for machinery our designs are always very Box like

Need more improvement when it comes to developed curved surface designs in vehicle designs military / civilian or even in Aviation sector

Just a general observation in lack of curved design and parts in Engineering and Machining

Example
Box like

Vs a bit more curved surface

There is always a trade-off between beauty and strength. For example, remember those steel glasses or plates from the 80s and 90s. They weren't as pleasing to eyes as glass and china crockery.
In military vehicles speed is not the prerequisite rather protection and firepower is. The curved design won't provide any significant aerodynamic advantage since the curb weight is very high due to added armour. Otherwise militaries could buy sports cars.

1 question here. Can't HIT or the army design and manufacture civilian vehicles like cars etc. They can TOT a few designs from Skoda, Volvo. That's definitely a market where I would want to see them enter for profit. Profits can be forwarded to further enhance defence R&D without the budgetary constraints.

 

[Ultimate Weapon]

1 question here. Can't HIT or the army design and manufacture civilian vehicles like cars etc. They can TOT a few designs from Skoda, Volvo. That's definitely a market where I would want to see them enter for profit. Profits can be forwarded to further enhance defence R&D without the budgetary constraints.

HIT produces Mercedes Trucks. Also mentioned on website.