Defense Industry of Pakistan has the capability to produce 50 main battle tanks per year 2901145.

The heads of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra, Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah Cantonment, heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and Karachi Shipyard on Tuesday appeared before the Senate’s Standing Committee on Defence Production to give briefings on Pakistan’s defence production capability.

The officials said that over 100 armed vehicles or personnel carriers had been manufactured at HIT whereas manufacturing of Al Khalid main battle tanks in significant number was also under way. The officials cited funds scarcity as a relevant factor in this regard, saying at least Rs 80 million were required for the manufacturing of JF-17 Thunder.

Different agreements with other states for the production and subsequent exports of pistols, guns, sniper rifles and even battle tanks were under the negotiation stages with other states, the officials said adding that an agreement for the export of 110 Al Khalid Main Battle Tanks was signed with China.

The defence production officials argued that if the federal government provided continuous funding and support to the defence production sector, Pakistan’s defence exports could improve manifolds and the indigenous requirements could be fully met as well. The Senate panel’s session was chaired by Senator Saeeda, the committee’s chairperson.