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Tank T-59

The T-59 tank is basically half a century old design. Project Al-Zarrar was conceived to keep the armour fleet of Tanks T-59 and T-69, operationally and technologically compatible with modern tanks by upgrading its firepower, mobility and armor protection at a fraction of the cost of latest Main Battle Tanks.

Heavy Industries Taxila [HIT] has been rebuilding Tank T-59 since 1979 and has now acquired a high level of expertise in this field. Rebuild envisages stripping of tank to its last nut and bolt, replacing worn out components with new ones and rebuilding the remaining ones to original manufacturer's specification. This task is carried out with the help of elaborate machines, tooling, and test equipment by highly skilled engineers / technicians. HIT has over the years achieved an indigenization of almost 70% by value and over 85% by variety which has helped lower costs significantly. Besides, some of the most sophisticated electronic system like fire control systems and gun control systems has been indigenized. This is the initial phase of upgrade which was taken up as a progressive plan.

In order to ensure that Tank T-59 keep pace with technology battlefield requirements, HIT under took to upgrade these tanks to the T-59 MII configuration during 1998. This program is well under way and the tanks have been equipped with a total of 50 features / improvements including :

• TI Sight
• Upgunning to 105 mm Calibre
• 580 HP Engine
• Bi-axis Stabilization
• Integrated Computerized Fire Control System
• Auto Fire Extinguisher System
• Hydraulic Assisted Steering & Clutch Mechanism
• Global Positioning System
• Air Starting System
• Thermal Smoke System
• Auxiliary Power Unit
• Fuel Dispensing Unit

CHARACTERISTICS AND SPECIFICATIONS T-59 MII

AL-ZARRAR Up-gradation / Modernization of Tank T-59

Upgrades to Pakistan's T-59 Al Zarrar tank were the result of cooperation with NORINCO. Tank T-59, which has been in use with Pakistan Army, is being upgraded under a phased program since 1990. After having completed 1st phase of upgrade in 1997, the 2nd phase has been launched in 1998 with a total of 50 upgrade features, which have given a quantum technological leap to this old tank.

Al-Zarrar, which is an improved version of T-59 series has 54 major improvements. It is a matter of great pride that the Pakistan army has successfully incorporated all these improvements covering mobility, firepower and survivability. Al-Zarrar is equipped with a 700 horse power engine in place of the original 520 horsepower. The improved suspension system and rubber tracks offer a stable firing platform on all types of terrain while providing a remarkable improvement in crew comfort, agility and mobility. This tank has a maximum speed of 65 kilometres per hour. A modern computerised fire control system with censors stabilisation and thermal imaging based night sites enable the tank to fire accurately at long ranges during day and night and under all environmental conditions. Armoured protection has been enhanced through add-on composite armor, Explosive Reactive Armor and provision of stealth profile. Alzarrar is characterised as a lethal weapon system incorporating modern technologies to offer optimum mobility, fir power and armor protection.

Owing to their large population, Pakistan Army can not afford to discard / phase out all T-59 tanks therefore, 3rd phase upgradation was planned to be implemented to keep these tanks operationally and technologically compatible with the modern tanks in use with our adversary.

It is envisaged to utilize stretch potential of T-59 tank through upgrade in fire power, mobility and armour protection at a fraction of the cost of a modern main battle tank. Three prototypes were developed on the above-mentioned concept and subjected to extensive user / technical trials and the selected version has since been in production since year 2003. Presently the requirement of the Pakistan Army is being met in totality. Owing to a cost effective upgrade many countries have shown keen interest in the project and in some cases it is in an advance stage of negotiations.

Tank Al-Zarrar is a success story for HIT. A number of prototype were developed on sound R&D basis for comparative evaluation and trials for the viability of upgradation of Al-Zarrar and finally Pakistan Army decided to induct 50 Al-Zarrars whose second batch was handed over by HIT in 2004. One widely circulated report states that the first batch of 80 upgraded tanks were delivered to the Pakistan Army on 26 February 2004. The army was reported to have ordered 400 upgraded tanks of the holding of some 1,000, with the remainder being phased out as the Khalids enter service.