Pakistan Army gets Sino-Pak developed Al-Khalid tanks
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Islamabad, Sept 24, IRNA -- A consignment of main battle Al-Khalid tanks, jointly developed by state-owned Pakistani and Chinese companies, was handed over to Pakistan Army on Thursday, officials said. The first batch of 15 Al-Khalid tanks was handed over to the Pakistan Army in July 2001. Pilot production is underway since November 2000. An amount of dlrs 20 million was spent on the indigenous development of Al-Khalid tanks over a period of eight years. Al-Khalid main battle tank is the result of a joint development project between HIT (Heavy Industries Taxila) of Pakistan and NORINCO North Industries Corporation) of China. It has a combat weight of 46 tons and carries a crew of three. Al-Khalid`s combat range is 400 kilometers which expands its operational range with minimum logistic support. The thermal night vision devices enable the tank crew to fight at night as well. Fitted with a 1200 HP water-cooled diesel engine, it gives the tank the maximum speed of 65 to 70 km an hour with acceleration from 0-32km in 10 seconds. Pakistan says the Al-Khalid development cost is low if compared with India, which has reportedly invested over dlrs 500 million on its Arjun tank. Al-Khalid carries a 125mm smooth bore gun, which can destroy armour at long ranges, the officials say. Composite materials and explosive reactive armour provide protection to the crew against a variety of anti-tank weapons. Its ability to automatically track targets is available only in the French Leclerc tank. Al-Khalid`s combat range is 400 kilometers which expands its operational range with minimum logistic support. The thermal night vision devices enable the tank crew to fight at night as well. /TSH/2330/1432
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