Pakistan unveils first locally made Haider Main Battle Tank.

On March 6, 2024, officials from Pakistan and China convened at a ceremony where the Pakistani-made Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT) was unveiled. Developed through a collaboration between Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) from Pakistan and Chinese state company NORINCO, this underscores the deepening cooperation in the development of Pakistan's military capabilities between the two countries.
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Pakistan's first locally made Haider Main Battle Tank (Picture source: Pakistan Army)

This collaboration in the realm of defense underscores the longstanding economic and military ties between Pakistan and China. The Pakistani armed forces have a history of utilizing various Chinese military equipment, with China emerging as a significant supplier of hardware such as main battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, self-propelled howitzers, and missile systems. This robust partnership, often characterized as "all-weather friends," is founded on mutual strategic interests, shared regional concerns, and common adversaries. According to the latest report from the SIPRI Arms Trade Database 2022, Pakistan has entered into a contract with China for the procurement of 679 VT4 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), which will be assembled and produced under license in Pakistan under the brand name of Haider.

The Haider MBT is the latest addition to Pakistan's indigenous tank manufacturing efforts, which have previously yielded models like the Al-Zarar and Al-Khalid. Based on the Chinese VT4, the Haider MBT represents a continuation of the collaboration between Pakistan and China in defense technology. The VT4, also known as the MBT-3000, is a third-generation main battle tank developed by NORINCO and is an export variant of the Type 99G tank currently in service with the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

Beyond tank development, China and Pakistan have collaborated on various defense projects, with the JF-17 Thunder being a notable example. Jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), the JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft produced in Pakistan and utilized by the Pakistan Air Force. This ongoing cooperation underscores the depth of the military relationship between the two countries.

The Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT) boasts a conventional design, featuring a three-person crew arrangement with the driver positioned at the front center of the hull, the turret centrally located, and the engine situated at the rear. Its formidable arsenal includes a 125mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing a diverse array of ammunition such as APFSDS, HE, HEAT, and anti-tank guided missiles. With a total capacity of 38 rounds, the Haider ensures sustained firepower on the battlefield. Additionally, it is equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a remotely operated weapon station armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, enhancing its defensive capabilities.

To fortify its defense, the Haider tank employs a sophisticated armor system, comprising composite, reactive, and spaced armor technologies. This layered defense mechanism provides enhanced protection against various threats, with an Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) package reinforcing the front hull.

In terms of mobility, the Haider features a robust suspension system consisting of six road wheels on each side, supported by hydraulic shock absorbers. Powered by a four-stroke turbocharged electronically-controlled Diesel engine generating 1,200 hp, coupled with a hydro-mechanical automatic transmission, the tank achieves a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and a cruising range of 500 km.

The Haider's advanced fire control system integrates a range of sensors and targeting devices to augment its accuracy and lethality on the battlefield. Equipped with a thermal imaging sight and a laser rangefinder, the main gun enables precise engagement of targets even in low-light conditions. Furthermore, a panoramic commander's sight provides a comprehensive 360-degree view of the battlefield, facilitating situational awareness.

Facilitating rapid target acquisition and engagement, the fire control system incorporates a ballistic computer, which calculates firing solutions based on various parameters, ensuring optimal accuracy and effectiveness of the tank's rounds. In essence, the Haider MBT's comprehensive fire control system empowers its crew with unparalleled situational awareness and targeting capabilities, cementing its status as a formidable force on the modern battlefield.