The Pakistan Army has revised its procurement plans for VT-4 tanks, reducing its initial requirement from 468 to 258 units, possibly due to financial constraints. Originally, a deal was inked with Norinco, a Chinese arms manufacturer, for the acquisition of the main battle tanks in 2021. The SIPRI Arms Trade Database 2022, had indicated that Pakistan had signed a contract with China for the purchase of 679 VT4s that will be assembled and produced under license in Pakistan under the brand name of Haider. Does it mean that this is the second time the army is forced to reduce its requirements for the MBT?
Currently, the Army is evaluating the suitability of these tanks for desert warfare. Approximately 15 VT-4 tanks are slated to be transported from Gujranwala to Rahim Yar Khan in South Punjab, an area extending into the Thar desert, for testing. These tanks belong to the two regiments of VT-4 tanks under the 6 Armoured Division, a component of 1 Corps. Notably, these regiments have previously participated in the Shamsheer-e-Sehra exercise, which was attended by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir.
The VT-4 tank, also referred to as MBT-3000, originated from China, with development commencing in 2009 and the first iteration appearing in 2012. It features a 125mm gun, composite armour, and explosive reactive armour comprising high explosive layers sandwiched between metal plates. The composite armour, a blend of metal and ceramics, offers enhanced durability despite being lighter. Weighing in at 52 tonnes, the VT-4 operates with a crew of three. Its development stemmed from the failure of the MBT-2000 project, which relied on a German engine and other subsystems but faltered due to the European arms embargo. Apart from Pakistan, the VT-4 is utilized by Nigeria and Thailand in limited quantities.
The VT4 MBT marks a notable leap forward in Chinese tank technology compared to its predecessors. While it bears resemblances to earlier Chinese tank models like the Type 96 and Type 99, the VT4 integrates several technological advancements and refinements that significantly bolster its battlefield effectiveness. One key feature is its advanced fire control system (FCS), incorporating a digital ballistic computer, thermal imaging, and a laser rangefinder. These upgrades enhance target acquisition and engagement capabilities, especially in challenging conditions such as low light or adverse weather.
Equipped with a modern 125mm smoothbore gun, the VT4 represents an improvement over previous models like the Type 85 and Type 90, which utilized a 105mm rifled gun. Furthermore, the inclusion of an autoloader enables a higher rate of fire and reduces crew requirements. To enhance protection against anti-tank threats, the VT4 is outfitted with modular composite armour and explosive reactive armour (ERA), a significant advancement from the steel armour utilized in earlier Chinese tanks such as the Type 59.
Powering the VT4 is a water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine, delivering greater horsepower and enabling the tank to achieve speeds of up to approximately 70 km/h. This surpasses the top speed of earlier Chinese tanks like the Type 85, which reached around 60 km/h.
These advancements underscore the strides made by China’s defence industry in the development of modern and competitive main battle tanks. The VT4 exemplifies China’s growing proficiency in tank design and manufacturing, as well as its commitment to supplying advanced military equipment for international export.
May 5, 2024
Source: Moneycontrol.com, Army Recognition