Al-Zarrar Tank Of Pakistan Army

Al-Zarrar Tank Of Pakistan Army
During a Demonstrtion

The Al-Zarrar is a modern main battle tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) of Pakistan for the Pakistan Army. The KMDB design bureau of Ukraine also took part in the development project. A re-built, upgraded variant of the Chinese Type 59 tank, Al-Zarrar is supposed to be a cost-effective replacement for the Type 59 fleet of the Pakistan Army. Equipped with modern armament, fire control and ballistic protection, the Al-Zarrar upgrade is also offered by HIT to the armies of foreign countries to upgrade their T-54/T-55 or Type 59 tanks to Al-Zarrar standard. 54 modifications made to the Type 59 make the Al-Zarrar effectively a new tank. The Al-Zarrar development program started in 1990 and the first batch of 80 upgraded tanks were delivered to the Pakistan Army on 26 February 2004.

History :-

It was decided by the Pakistan Army that their inventory of Chinese origin Type 59 tanks was too large to be discarded and replaced, so a phased upgrade program was started by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) in 1990. The idea was to upgrade the firepower, mobility and protection of the Type 59 to allow it to compete on the modern battlefield at a fraction of the cost of a modern main battle tank (MBT). The first phase of the upgrade program was completed in 1997. The second phase started in 1998 when HIT began development and testing of a new tank, a Type 59 re-built with over 50 modifications, resulting in three prototypes with slightly differing specifications (different fire-control systems, for example). Many systems originally developed for HIT's Al-Khalid MBT were incorporated. The prototypes underwent extensive testing by HIT and the Pakistan Army, who selected the final version of the tank, dubbed Al-Zarrar. HIT began full production of Al-Zarrar during May 2003 under a renowned Project Manager Mahmood Khan.

Design Specifications Of Al Zarrar Tank :-

Armament And Fire Control :-

Al-Zarrar's primary armament is a 125 mm smoothbore tank gun with an autofrettaged, chrome-plated gun barrel. It is capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT-FS and HE-FS rounds as well as anti-tank guided missiles and a Pakistani DU (depleted uranium) round, the 125 mm Naiza. Naiza is capable of penetrating 550 mm of RHA armour at a distance of 2 km. Reloaded by a semi-automatic auto loader, the gun has a dual-axis stabilization system and thermal imaging sights for the commander and gunner. Integrated into the fire-control system. The image stabilized fire-control system includes a laser range-finder for accurate range information and ballistics computer to improve accuracy. An improved gun control system is also fitted. The secondary armament consists of an external 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted on the roof of the turret, which can be aimed and fired from inside the tank, and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.

Al-Zarrar MBTs Of The Pakistan Army's
27th Cavalry Regiment Stationed At Kharian.

Mobility and Protection :-

The Al-Zarrar is powered by a liquid-cooled 12-cylinder diesel engine, giving a power output of 730 hp (540 kW) and torque output of 305 kg.m at 1300–1400 rpm. A combat weight of 40 tonnes gives Al-Zarrar a power-to-weight ratio of 18.3 hp/tonne and a top speed of 65 km/h. Crew comfort is improved over the Type 59 by a modified torsion bar suspension system.

Al-Zarrar uses modular composite armor and explosive reactive armor to give improved protection from anti-tank missiles, mines and other weapons. The Pakistani ATCOP LTS-1 laser threat warning system is fitted to inform the tank crew if the tank is targeted by a laser range-finder or laser designator. Smoke grenade launchers are fitted to the sides of the turret. An automatic fire-extinguishing and explosion suppression system is installed to improve crew survivability.

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Yaum-e-Shohda For Martyrs Observed By Pakistan Army

Pakistan army observes a special day just for remembering the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the greater and brighter future of our Motherland Pakistan. This day is celebrated all around the country in all army Garrison head quarters and Major ceremony is held at generals headquarter In Rawalpindi. Pakistan army yearly celebrates this day at 30th of April.

Several ceremonies were held at the Garrisons all over the country but the biggest ceremony was held at Yadqar-e-Shuhada, General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi. The ceremony was attended by the families of Shuhada, serving and retired officers of the armed forces and a large number of people. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif will also offer Fateha for the martyrs after laying floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument.

Yadgar-e-Shuhada In Rawalpindi

Chief Of Army Staff Visiting Army Air Defense Command

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif visited Sonmiani Ranges and witnessed Air Defense Firing Exercises. Full range of Air Defense Weapons including Guns and surface to air missiles were used in the exercise. The COAS greatly appreciated the professionalism of participating units and standards achieved in engaging aerial targets. While interacting with the troops, COAS reiterated that the multidimensional security threats faced by the country required a high state of preparedness at all times. Highest standard of training and professionalism must remain our hallmark to accomplish the mission, he emphasized. Earlier, on arrival at the Range, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Zahid Latif  Mirza, Commander Army Air Defense Command.

ISPR
Pakistan Armed Forces

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Glock 17 Of Pakistan Army

The Glock pistol, sometimes referred to by the manufacturer as a Glock "Safe Action" Pistol, is a series of polymer-framed, short recoil operated, locked breech semi-automatic pistols designed and produced by Glock Ges.m.b.H., located in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria. It entered Austrian military and police service by 1982.

Operating Mechanism :-

Glock 17 Of Pakistan Army

The Glock 17 is a 9mm short recoil-operated locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol. The firearm's locking mechanism utilizes a linkless, vertically tilting barrel with a rectangular breech that

locks into the ejection port cut-out in the slide. During the recoil stroke, the barrel moves rearward initially locked together with the slide approximately 3 mm (0.12 in) until the bullet leaves the barrel and chamber pressure drops to a safe level. A ramped lug extension at the base of the barrel then interacts with a tapered locking block integrated into the frame, forcing the barrel down and unlocking it from the slide. This camming action terminates the barrel's movement while the slide continues back under recoil, extracting and ejecting the spent cartridge casing. The slide's uninterrupted rearward movement and counter-recoil cycle are characteristic of the Browning system.

Use By Pakistan Army :-

Glock pistols are very popular among Pakistan army and especially special services group of Pakistan army. The reasons are fire rate, accuracy, and light weight and therefore one operative can hold more ammo. There pistols are very reliable and useful in close quarter combat and urban warfare.

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Investiture Ceremony At GHQ Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi - April 15, 2014

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif conferred military awards to the Army personnel in an investiture ceremony held at General Headquarters today. A large number of military officials and relatives of awardees attended the ceremony. 10 officers and 20 soldiers were awarded TAMGHA-E-BISALAT, 22 officers were awarded SITARA-I-IMTIAZ (MILITARY), and 3 soldiers were awarded United Nations (UN) Medal. Medals of Shuhada were received by their family members.

Investiture Ceremony

Special Services Group Of Pakistan Army

The Special Services Group (SSG) is a special operations force of the Pakistan Army. It is quite similar to the U.S. Army's Special Forces and the British Army's SAS. The SSG, headquartered at Tarbela, is headed by a Major-General and divided into ten battalions, the actual strength of which is classified.

Training :-

Special Services Group Of Pakistan Army
Insignia

SSG officers must have at least five years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for two-year assignments with the SSG; non-commissioned officers and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG. All trainees must participate in a nine-month SSG course at Cherat. The SSG course emphasizes physical conditioning, including a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five-mile run in 20 minutes with full gear. Following the SSG course, trainees must go through the airborne training to get their commando wings from the SSG Airborne School. The course lasts four weeks, with wings awarded after five day-jumps and three night-jumps. The SSG recruits get trained in hand-to-hand combat training and very hard physical fitness training; only about 25% of recruits make it through to the Pakistan SSG due to the very tough training course.

Uniform :-

The commandos are distinguished by their insignia of maroon berets, a common color for airborne troops, with a silver metal tab on a light blue felt square with a dagger and lightning bolts, and a wing on the right side of the chest. The combat uniform of the SSG is similar to the US woodland pattern camouflage coat and pants. Other uniforms include camouflage and black dungarees (for the CT team). 

Equipment :-

The SSG is equipped with an array of modern weaponry which includes, Steyr AUG, SIG 552 LR, HK G3, and Chinese Type-81/56 rifles, Colt M4 carbines, and FN P90 and HK-MP5 Submachine guns (many different variants). Light machine gun in use is Rheinmetall MG3 (locally produced along with HK G3s and MP5s). In sniper or Marksman role, the SSG CT (Counter-Terrorism) teams are equipped with Barrett M82, Finnish Tikka bolt-action rifles, Steyr sniper SSG 69, POF Eye Corner shot gun and HK PSG1 and Dragunov SVD Semi-automatic rifles. Pistols include various Heckler & K

och & Glock models.

Organisation :-

Pakistani special forces have 10 battalions

- 1st Commando Yaldrum Battalion

- 2nd Commando Rahbar Battalion

- 3rd Commando Powindahs Battalion

- 4th Commando Yalghar Battalion

- 5th Commando Zilzaal Battalion

- 6th Commando AL Samsaam Battalion

- 7th Commando Babrum Battalion

Each battalion consists of 700 men in four companies, with each company split into platoons and then into 10-man teams. Battalions are commanded by Lieutenant Colonels.

Plus three independent commando companies :

- Musa Company - Specializes in Amphibious Operations

- Zarrar Company - Specializes in Counter-terrorism

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Standard Rifle Of Pakistan Army | The G3 Assault Rifle

Standard Rifle Of Pakistan Army | The G3 Assault Rifle With Knife

The G3 is a 7.62×51mm NATO battle rifle developed in the 1950s by the German armament manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K) in collaboration with the Spanish state-owned design and development agency CETME.

The G3A3 (A4) is a selective-fire automatic weapon that employs a roller-delayed blowback operating system. The two-piece bolt assembly consists of a breech (bolt head) and bolt carrier. The bolt is held in battery by two sliding cylindrical rollers that engage locking recesses in the barrel extension (popularly called a "trunnion"; BATF calls this a "mounting block"). The breech is opened when both rollers are compressed inward against camming surfaces driven by the rearward pressure of the expanding gases upon the bolt head. As the rollers move inward, recoil energy is transferred to the locking piece and bolt carrier which begin to withdraw while the bolt head slowly moves rearward in relation to the bolt carrier. As the bolt carrier clears the rollers, pressure in the bore drops to a safe level, the bolt head is caught by the bolt carrier and moves to the rear as one unit, continuing the operating cycle.

The firearm is equipped with iron sights that consist of a rotary rear drum and hooded front post. The rear sight, mechanically adjustable for both windage and elevation, has an open notch used to fire up to 100 m and three apertures used for: 200, 300 and 400 m. The receiver housing has recesses that work with HK clamp adapters used to mount day or night optics.

In Use Of Pakistan Army :-

Standard Rifle Of Pakistan Army | The G3 Assault Rifle Sniper Varient

Many people ask questions that why Pakistani army uses this old rifle and large caliber. The answer lies in the very detailed specifications of this gun. The gun is designed for medium ranged combats and is very effective against targets at 500 meters. This gun can penetrate brick walls and bunker walls without concrete and Level 3 body armour. As you may know that most of the armed forces of our arch enemy Hindustan use level 3 body armour, therefore this gun is very useful for penetrating this  kind of armour and breaching bunker walls at long ranges. Also it can also be converted in a sniper rifle with small modifications and serve as a general purpose sniper rifle. The rate of fire is extremely fast. There are two types of magazines. Other specifications are given below.

Specifications :-

Weight

▪ 4.1 kg (9.04 lb) (G3A3)

▪ 4.7 kg (10 lb) (G3A4)

▪ 5.54 kg (12.2 lb) with optic (G3SG/1)

▪ 4.1 kg (9.0 lb) (G3K)

Length

▪ 1,025 mm (40.4 in) (G3A3)

▪ 1,025 mm (40.4 in) stock extended / 840 mm

▪ (33.1 in) stock collapsed (G3A4)

▪ 1,025 mm (40.4 in) (G3SG/1)

▪ 895 mm (35.2 in) stock extended / 711 mm (28.0 in) stock collapsed (G3K)

Barrel length

▪ 450 mm (17.7 in)

▪ 315 mm (12.4 in) (G3K)

Cartridge

▪ 7.62×51mm NATO

Action

▪ Roller-delayed blowback

Rate of fire

▪ 500–600 rounds/min

Muzzle velocity

▪ 800 m/s (2,625 ft/s)

Effective firing range

▪ 500 meters (550 yd), 100–400 m sight adjustments

Feed system

▪ 20-round detachable box

▪ 50-round drum magazine

Sights

▪ Rear: rotary diopter; front: hooded post

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Powerful Weapon Of Pakistan Army | The Al-Khalid Tank (MBT)

Operated by a crew of three and armed with a 125 mm smooth-bore tank gun that is reloaded automatically, the tank uses a modern fire-control system (FCS) integrated with night time warfare equipment and is capable of firing many types of anti-tank rounds, normal explosive, high explosive as well as guided anti-tank missiles. Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank is named after the 7th-century Great Muslim General and Strategist Khalid Bin Waleed Razi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu.
Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank is the combination of technologies from old Chinese and Soviet tanks, the main feature of the composite design is that it is much smaller and lighter than most of the modern western and NATO tanks. Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank is based n Chinese type 90-II which was also a great combination of modern and old tanks of Russia and western tanks used by Americans and NATO forces. The most important feature of Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank design is that it is adaptable for manufacturing, so that it is very easy to combine it modern western technologies like engines, suspensions, transmissions and armament. The main variant of production of these tanks uses a diesel engine and a very high tech transmission supplied by KMBD Design of Ukraine. The first batch of ready for battle tanks were inducted in Pakistan army in year 2001. The actual numbers of tanks currently in service are classified as it is a matter of national security for both Pakistan and Muslim world. It is a general practice of militaries all around the world to not to reveal their operational capacities and number of troops and vehicles used under their command.

Armaments of Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank :-
Al-Khalid main gun is designed with a 125 mm (length: 48 calibers) smoothbore, auto-frettaged and chrome-plated gun barrel which can easily fire the following types of conventional ammunition and rounds.

• APFSDS
• HEAT-FS
• HE-FS.

Al-Khalid Main Battle Tanks are also capable of carrying and firing Gun launched, laser guided anti tank guide missiles.
The gun is a modified variant of KBA-3 series of 125 mm smooth bore gun for Al-Khalid MBT which provided compatibility with Ukrainian ATGMs such as Kombat. Gun-launched, laser-guided anti-tank guided missiles can also be launched.
Al Khalid also fires some Pakistani made ammunition. It fires Pakistani made du rounds named Naiza 125mm (amour penetration rounds: 550 mm In RHA at 2 Kilometers). It is also equipped with state of the art muzzle reference system and dual-axis stabilization system. Elevation and azimuthal control is provided by electro-hydraulic power drives. The automatic ammunition handling and firing system for the main gun has a total capacity of 24 rounds ready to fire magazine. The firing rate of this tank is very high. The firing rate is approximately eight rounds per minute.

Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank is equipped with a modern 7.62mm-coaxil machine gun. It is also capable of externally mounting different air defense guns that can be aimed and fired automatically from within the tank. It also has capability to launch smoke screens to avoid laser targeting from enemy tanks and enemy aircrafts. There are separate smoke grenade launchers.
The gunner is provided with a dual-magnification day sight and the commander with a panoramic sight for all-around independent surveillance. Both sights are dual-axis image stabilized and have independent laser range-finders. Al-Khalid Main Battle Tanks also has the hunter killer capability. It means that the commander of the tank can identify and acquire new targets while the gunner is engaging another target and destroying them.
There is also a state of the art automatic target identifying, tracking and locking system. This system help commander and gunner of al Khalid tank to accurately fire on moving targets even if their tank is also moving. Special night time warfare optics are also installed separately both for commander and gunner. Night vision warfare capability for the gunner and commander is provided through a dual-magnification thermal imaging sight. Both sights are also integrated with the fire-control system.
The fire control system is that of western origin which is installed in al Khalid tank. The ballistic computation time is less than one second.

• Effective range: 200 to 7,000 meters ( 2 to 8 Kilometers ).
• Sensor: laser ranging from 200 to 9,990 meters (200 Meters To 9.99 Kilometers).
• French Auto-tracking, interfaced with gunner station, firing four types of munitions, gunner's thermal imaging sight, commander's image intensification night vision sight, gyro-stabilized and UPS power supply system.

Protection
Al Khalid has many types of sensors and amour attached to it. Different types of amour are reactive armour, nuclear, biological, chemical defense amour. A very effective thermal smoke generator. It also has an internal fire extinguisher and explosion suppression system. The infrared signature of the tank is reduced using a special type of paint specifically developed for this purpose. Al Khalid tank is also equipped with newly developed indigenous explosive reactive amour. Which is very light weight and also more resistant to different type of anti tank ammunition including APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FS rounds.

These are some of the main specifications of the al Khalid tank inducted in 2001 in Pakistan army. Pakistani engineers are constantly working to improve it further to increase its capabilities. In general al Khalid tank is definitely a force multiplier for Pakistani armed forces to protect our ideological and geographical borders.

The Al-Khalid Tank (MBT)