Pakistan to develop indigenous active protection system to protect entire tank fleet.

Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) recently initiated a project to develop an Active Protection System (APS) for main battle tanks (MBTs), marking a significant step toward enhancing the capabilities of its armored fleet. The project is managed by HIT’s Advanced Research Development and Information Center (ARDIC), which issued a tender on October 14, 2024, seeking lab testing and equipment necessary for the APS's development. This tender specifies requirements for a lab measurement unit, a radar emulator unit, and two radar sensing units, which are critical components in establishing the APS's core functionality through precise testing.
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The APS project also represents a continuation of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to localize defense technologies, particularly for its Haider, a variant of the Chinese VT-4 tank. (Picture source: HIT)

The proposed Active Protection System (APS) aims to shield tanks from advanced threats such as anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) and loitering munitions. Modern APS systems typically include sensors for detecting incoming threats and countermeasures to neutralize them, often classified as ‘soft-kill’ or ‘hard-kill’ solutions. A soft-kill system deploys measures like smoke or directional infrared emitters to disrupt the targeting system of an incoming munition, while a hard-kill solution engages the threat directly, using either intercepting munitions or explosively formed penetrators to neutralize it before impact. HIT’s approach, as indicated by the tender, appears to focus on radar-based detection, though specific details about the threat-neutralizing component remain unspecified.

The tender outlines a structured procurement process, with a single-stage, two-envelope method for bid submission. To qualify, firms must provide a range of documents, including valid National Tax Number (NTN) certificates, bank statements, audit reports from the last three fiscal years, and assurances that they are not defaulters or blacklisted. Interested firms must submit their bids by November 14, 2024, with technical assessments set to begin the same day. The equipment will undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability and adherence to technical standards, while companies are required to provide a warranty covering all aspects of maintenance for at least two years, with additional marks awarded for extended warranty offerings. Furthermore, HIT mandates confidentiality measures and restricts participation from firms linked to countries deemed ineligible, specifically India and Israel, to safeguard the project’s integrity.

The APS project also represents a continuation of Pakistan's ongoing efforts to enhance and localize defense technologies across its entire tank fleet. As of 2024, Pakistan’s fleet of main battle tanks (MBTs) includes 2,537 units, comprising approximately 300 Al-Khalid (MBT 2000), an estimated 110 Al-Khalid I, 315 T-80UD, around 500 Al-Zarrar, 400 Type-69, 268 Type-85-IIAP, 44 VT-4, and an estimated 600 ZTZ-59 tanks. Developing an indigenous APS is a strategic move to strengthen the operational capabilities of these units, ensuring they can counter modern threats and remain effective in diverse operational scenarios. This APS initiative reflects Pakistan’s drive to reduce reliance on foreign defense technologies and increase the self-sufficiency of its armored forces.

The development of an APS aligns with Pakistan’s defense strategy, as the region faces a rise in sophisticated ATGMs and loitering munitions across various operational scenarios. The adoption of such systems is not only a response to these threats but also a reinforcement of Pakistan’s position in South Asia’s evolving defense landscape. As the project progresses, HIT aims to ensure that the APS meets operational requirements and withstands diverse threat environments, reinforcing Pakistan’s armored capabilities with localized, state-of-the-art defensive technologies.

Active Protection Systems (APS) have become a focal point in modern armored warfare, aiming to enhance the survivability of tanks against advanced anti-tank weaponry. Israel's Trophy system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, has been operational since 2011 and has demonstrated effectiveness in intercepting various threats, including anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades. The system utilizes radar to detect incoming projectiles and deploys countermeasures to neutralize them before impact. As of 2023, production has scaled up, with 40 Trophy systems and 500 countermeasures being produced monthly.

Russia has also advanced its APS technology with the development of the Arena system by the Kolomna Engineering Design Bureau. Arena employs a Doppler radar to detect incoming threats and launches defensive rockets to destroy them mid-air. The modernized Arena-M variant claims to intercept munitions from all directions, including top-attack missiles like the Javelin. In 2023, reports indicated plans to equip T-90M and T-80BVM tanks with Arena-M, with considerations for installation on T-72B3 and T-72B3M models. These developments underscore a global trend toward integrating APS into armored vehicles to counter evolving battlefield threats.