Al - Haider VT-4 MBT - The Premier PA Ground Asset [Developments]

[CSAW]

Pakistan purchases 679 Chinese VT4 tanks that will be assembled locally​

According to the latest report of the SIPRI Arms Trade Database 2022, Pakistan signed a contract with China for the purchase of 679 VT4 MBTs (Main Battle Tanks) that will be assembled and produced under license in Pakistan under the brand name of Haider.

The VT4, also known as the MBT-3000, is a Chinese third-generation main battle tank (MBT) designed and manufactured by NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation). The VT4 is an advanced and versatile tank that has been developed for export, with several modern features and technologies that make it competitive in the global arms market.

The VT4 design is similar to the family of Chinese-made MBTs with the driver at the front of the hull, a turret in the middle, and the engine at the rear. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner. The VT4's interior layout is designed with better ergonomics and improved crew comfort in mind. This can help reduce fatigue and improve operational efficiency.

The VT4 MBT represents a significant evolution in Chinese tank technology compared to its predecessors. While it shares some similarities with earlier Chinese tanks, such as the Type 96 and Type 99, the VT4 incorporates various technological advancements and improvements that enhance its capabilities on the battlefield. It features an advanced fire control system (FCS) that includes a digital ballistic computer, thermal imaging, and a laser rangefinder. These enhancements allow for better target acquisition and engagement, even in low light or poor weather conditions, compared to earlier Chinese tanks.

The VT4 is equipped with a modern 125mm smoothbore gun, which is an improvement over the 105mm rifled gun found on Type 85 and Type 90 tanks. Additionally, the VT4 features an autoloader that allows for a higher rate of fire and a reduced crew requirement. It is fitted with modular composite armor and explosive reactive armor (ERA) to provide better protection against anti-tank threats. This is a significant advancement compared to the steel armor used in earlier Chinese tanks like the Type 59.

The VT4 is powered by a water-cooled, turbocharged diesel engine that provides greater horsepower, allowing the tank to reach a top speed of around 70 km/h. This is faster than previous Chinese tanks like the Type 85, which had a top speed of around 60 km/h.

These advancements demonstrate the progress made by China's defense industry in developing modern and competitive main battle tanks. The VT4 reflects China's growing expertise in tank design and manufacturing, as well as the country's commitment to providing advanced military equipment for export.

​

​

Pakistan showed the local production of Chinese 3rd-gen VT-4 tank​

In a comprehensive television broadcast, Pakistani media unveiled the state-of-the-art production process of the Chinese VT-4 tanks [VT-4 MBT or MBT-3000]. These top-notch war machines are being constructed under China’s license at Pakistan’s eminent Heavy Industry Taxila [HIT] manufacturing plant.

The discourse disseminated indicates that this establishment has been particularly designed for the manufacturing of the esteemed VT-4. The initiation of domestic production has led to rapid growth in the production of Al-Khalid/Al-Khalid-1 and T80UD’s power units, resulting in a persistent 70% localization. A noteworthy advancement has been seen in the past years.

Moreover, a staggering 95% of the electrical apparatus and control systems inherent in the armored fighting vehicles have been integrated into the local manufacturing processes, a considerable reflection of self-reliance.

In what constitutes a significant revelation, the report confirms the existence of the Al-Khalid-1 fire control system, an innovation originating from Pakistan. Heretofore, the system had been an object of mere conjecture and speculation, making this official confirmation a noteworthy development.

Notwithstanding, the production of a wholly Pakistani tank remains elusive. While a significant number of its constituents, including electronics and day and night vision sights for the tank driver, are manufactured domestically, the steel and composite components necessitate import from China.

The Heavy Industries Taxila [HIT] is reportedly engaged in the assembly of Chinese tanks under license, as per the provided sources. Further down the pipeline, reports from Pakistani sources suggest that the manufacturing of the gun will also be localized. The specific model set for indigenization is the 155mm M109A5 gun.

The choice of VT-4​

The first batch of Pakistan Army’s VT-4s, a type of main battle tank from China, was dispatched on April 20, 2020. Pakistan is now the third country, after Thailand and Nigeria, to use this tank variant.

The total number acquired by Pakistan’s Army is 100. The production and export of the MBT-3000 tanks strengthen China’s position in the global market. Their line of tanks includes the simpler WZ-120 and the more advanced MBT-3000. They cater to different regions, including the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Pakistan first considered acquiring VT-4 tanks in 2014. However, the military hadn’t made a final decision even after extensive testing and Thailand’s purchase of the tanks in 2016. Pakistan tested both the VT-4 and the Ukrainian T-84 “Oplot M” tanks within its borders.

VT-4 tank​

The VT-4 is a third-generation main battle tank by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). Often associated with the ‘Khalid’ tank, it features a 125mm smoothbore gun and an automatic loader with 22 rounds. It has a firing rate of 8 rounds per minute.

Along with the gun, the tank can launch different types of rounds and missiles, offering a firing range of 5 kilometers. It uses a 1500-horsepower diesel engine and a Chinese-produced CH10000B hydraulic mechanical automatic transmission.


The layout of the VT-4 includes a driver position upfront, a combat compartment, and an engine in the rear. It’s built with a fully welded turret and composite armor with an option to add reactive armor plating. The VT-4 can reach speeds of 71 kph and maintain a speed of 42 kph, with a range of 500 kilometers. It can traverse water barriers of 4-5 meters and pits of 2.7 meters.

Further, the VT-4 features advanced technology in its combat reconnaissance capabilities, including a thermal imager and a panoramic observation system. It has provisions for installing remote control weapon stations and a state-of-the-art integrated fire control system. To enhance protection, it uses active protection systems, laser alarms, smoke bomb linkages, and an interface for millimeter-wave radar. The side skirts are constructed with composite materials.

VT-4’s design​

The tank’s design incorporates modern technology, such as air conditioning, departing from China’s previous simplistic style. It brings it to par with Western tanks. The homegrown FY-4 reactive armor of the Pakistani version boosts its defense.

Pakistan and China’s relationship has grown through shared tank tech. Possible collaborations with countries like Ukraine highlight the reach of their alliance.

In April 2020, Pakistan arranged the purchase of China’s advanced VT-4 tank, funded by the Gulf region. The large 300-tank deal, with a confirmed 176 tanks for $860 million, hinges on their satisfaction with the first shipment. The same day, two testing vehicles equipped with FY-4 armor and an improved 1500 horsepower engine were delivered. Other upgrades are not confirmed.



By September 2020, Pakistan showcased its new Chinese VT4 tanks. The 52-ton VT4, also called the MBT3000, was ordered in 2019 and began delivering in 2020. The goal to buy more VT4s is currently restrained by financial issues, as they cost $3 million each.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------

PA-1 Strike Armoured Core 6th Division Prime Assets -
The Al-Haider VT-4 MBT live firing of Remote WS 12.7 mm AA Machine guns.
The Tanks are assembled under ToT at HIT. APS is inline.

 

[DeusExAstra]

Well, I guess, it is possible to publish manual for VT4 (Thailand army), since it literally was found as first search result in google by request "technical manual VT4" in thai language.
VT4 manual
Credits are going to user Wiedzmin from Tankograd.

But, actually, there're some typos in it, I guess, for example, time of reload mentioned is 6-8, but in other part it is 7-9 rpm

 

[Signalian]

How about an upgrade similar to M1A2s TUSK for VT-4 to assist LEAs in urban combat and COIN war since 6th Armored Division sitting Gujranwala has no impact on the current war fought on and inside the western border. One armored regiment used as test bed for urban fighting by MBTs, can be deployed in the volatile KPK region, distributed among other regular units as well as FC wings in either squadron or troop configuration to see effectiveness in curbing terrorism.

 

[CSAW]

 

[Raja Porus]

How about an upgrade similar to M1A2s TUSK for VT-4 to assist LEAs in urban combat and COIN war since 6th Armored Division sitting Gujranwala has no impact on the current war fought on and inside the western border. One armored regiment used as test bed for urban fighting by MBTs, can be deployed in the volatile KPK region, distributed among other regular units as well as FC wings in either squadron or troop configuration to see effectiveness in curbing terrorism.

The maintenance of that regt would be expensive considering the wear and tear. New sheds, ammo depots, wrkshps when there is no large scale op like swat/bajaur going on and all the ops are in untanakable areas.
It'd also be seen as an over reaction and nervousness in the GHQ and surely not liked by the locals.

 

[Signalian]

The maintenance of that regt would be expensive considering the wear and tear. New sheds, ammo depots, wrkshps when there is no large scale op like swat/bajaur going on and all the ops are in untanakable areas.
It'd also be seen as an over reaction and nervousness in the GHQ and surely not liked by the locals.

The two weapons that brought pain to terrorists were MBTs and AH-1s, both of which are not in the scenario right now. What a T-59 or AZ can do, a VT-4 can do much better, with the fear and the firepower.

 

[Raja Porus]

The two weapons that brought pain to terrorists were MBTs and AH-1s, both of which are not in the scenario right now. What a T-59 or AZ can do, a VT-4 can do much better, with the fear and the firepower.

Are sich large kinetic ops required and what about the last point I mentioned

 

[Lion]

How about an upgrade similar to M1A2s TUSK for VT-4 to assist LEAs in urban combat and COIN war since 6th Armored Division sitting Gujranwala has no impact on the current war fought on and inside the western border. One armored regiment used as test bed for urban fighting by MBTs, can be deployed in the volatile KPK region, distributed among other regular units as well as FC wings in either squadron or troop configuration to see effectiveness in curbing terrorism.

IMO, the current scenario of terrorism in Pakistan is not conducive to the deployment of MBTs and other larger scale weaponry, not even Fighters and often not even UAVs.

The reason behind this is simply how the war is being fought, if we go back to 2007 or 2009 or even 2014, we were looking at a scenario where there were confirmed terrorist hideouts and camps, they were holding large amounts of territory and were properly dug in, it was the PA taking back towns and cities one by one, pushing back the enemy.

This sort of environment is definitely conducive to the use of armor and other combined arms warfare, back then, PA even had some makeshift measures for improving the protection of its armor for COIN ops like sandbags and cages.
I’m sure we had similar scenarios now, we’d see PA employing a sort of COIN specific package to its armor and also use it.

However, the current scenario seems to be different, there is no specifically terrorist held territory or strongholds to be taken, there are no specific targets to take our armor to and attack. The attacks are sporadic and sudden, they come from across the border where we are hesitant to reach out. In such a scenario it is not possible to have tanks constantly deployed at sensitive locations for patrolling and logistics due to the costs associated with it.

Given all this, if PA were to need to deploy its armor for COIN ops, in the current scenario, the enemy does not posses weaponry strong enough to effectively engage tanks like the VT4 even without a TUSK like COIN package, however, if they were deployed, maybe we’d see a reverse scenario where the taliban would start procuring AT weapons.

 

[Panzerkiel]

6th Armored Division sitting Gujranwala has no impact on the current war fought on and inside the western border. One armored regiment used as test bed for urban fighting by MBTs, can be deployed in the volatile KPK region, distributed among other regular units as well as FC wings in either squadron or troop configuration to see effectiveness in curbing terrorism.

6 AD may not have any impact on ongoing COIN ops. But it does have an enormous impact as far as our eastern neighbor is concerned. Weakening 6 AD, even by one regiment, is like weakening the northern punch ( 1 Corps). Moreover, armor used in penny packets or in infantry support is always destructive.

 

[Signalian]

6 AD may not have any impact on ongoing COIN ops. But it does have an enormous impact as far as our eastern neighbor is concerned. Weakening 6 AD, even by one regiment, is like weakening the northern punch ( 1 Corps). Moreover, armor used in penny packets or in infantry support is always destructive.

The chances of a conventional war have gone very low. India is helping TTP bleed Pakistan without committing own forces. The beasts of 6Ad are sitting idle under sheds while soldiers die on the western front. MBTs showing up is an instant morale booster for troops. But whats more important is that committing MBTs of gunships or aircrafts in a war shows that Govt of Pakistan is serious about the operation to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

 

[Signalian]

Are sich large kinetic ops required and what about the last point I mentioned

Locals are happy with TTP dwelling around them ? I m not so sure.

How many more soldiers of PA and FC are to die before a large operation with equipment and weapons of all sort is envisioned.

 

[Signalian]

IMO, the current scenario of terrorism in Pakistan is not conducive to the deployment of MBTs and other larger scale weaponry, not even Fighters and often not even UAVs.

The reason behind this is simply how the war is being fought, if we go back to 2007 or 2009 or even 2014, we were looking at a scenario where there were confirmed terrorist hideouts and camps, they were holding large amounts of territory and were properly dug in, it was the PA taking back towns and cities one by one, pushing back the enemy.

This sort of environment is definitely conducive to the use of armor and other combined arms warfare, back then, PA even had some makeshift measures for improving the protection of its armor for COIN ops like sandbags and cages.
I’m sure we had similar scenarios now, we’d see PA employing a sort of COIN specific package to its armor and also use it.

However, the current scenario seems to be different, there is no specifically terrorist held territory or strongholds to be taken, there are no specific targets to take our armor to and attack. The attacks are sporadic and sudden, they come from across the border where we are hesitant to reach out. In such a scenario it is not possible to have tanks constantly deployed at sensitive locations for patrolling and logistics due to the costs associated with it.

Given all this, if PA were to need to deploy its armor for COIN ops, in the current scenario, the enemy does not posses weaponry strong enough to effectively engage tanks like the VT4 even without a TUSK like COIN package, however, if they were deployed, maybe we’d see a reverse scenario where the taliban would start procuring AT weapons.

There is a failure of intelligence which seems to have become a repetitive trend. Wherever IEDs are blasted or troops lose lives, there is hint of intelligence failure. Intelligence cannot be just gathered on the ground, there are many factors related to it. Capturing data from mobiles, intercepting communication, monitoring certain areas, infiltrating terrorists outfits undercover, aerial surveillance etc.

This is the first step and its not producing results which it should. Sporadic IBOs are not effective as this war seems evenly balanced. There are variety of weapons that sit idle in PA and PAFs arsenal just to be used against India in a conventional war or escalation. The edge is not there. PA and FC need any edge they can get over TTP, BLA and the likes.

What guarantee is there that an armored division or IABG will fight in open grounds only. Any operation in a conventional war can take them towards an urban area to capture it or replenish/rest/regroup in it. Infantry needs to be supported in combines ops in urban areas. That would again require add-on armor of any sorts on MBTs and AFVs.

PA has already deployed T59 in the area and chanted slogans as it hiked on the peaks. PA has that mindset but it can be taken a step further. Facing a 125mm gun in not easy, the range, the radius of explosion is much more than faced with a G-3. If the tank has indirect firing method, thats even more effective, like some variant of Merkava carried mortar also. For TTP, carrying AT weapons makes the task more cumbersome, even when traversing in the mountains. It adds to logistical nightmare for the enemy, especially when carrying on foot. Concealing ATGM or AT rounds is even harder and gives more chances of detection.

Its not just MBTs, its also gunships, transport helis and aircrafts which have ISR capability. Indirect firing weapons like mortars and howitzers so own troops don't get pinned down. The extraction methods need improvement also. Enemy strikes, causes massive damage, gets killed themslves and TTP celebrates all that. This algorithm needs to be broken. Deception and death by a smoothbore gun or a 155mm artillery round is not easy. TTP knows that such weapons are not coming into their theatre of war, only G-3 and MG-3 armed FC and PA.

 

[Panzerkiel]

The chances of a conventional war have gone very low. India is helping TTP bleed Pakistan without committing own forces. The beasts of 6Ad are sitting idle under sheds while soldiers die on the western front. MBTs showing up is an instant morale booster for troops. But whats more important is that committing MBTs of gunships or aircrafts in a war shows that Govt of Pakistan is serious about the operation to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Chances may have gone low... But it takes only one incident to start it. Ukrainian war and Palestinian conflict have shown the need to possess credible conventional forces at all times. For me, times of conventional war are not gone.

Moreover, the rocky terrain towards our west is mostly not suitable to rubber padded armor vehicles. The tracks will turn to wafer in no time.

 

[Signalian]

Chances may have gone low... But it takes only one incident to start it. Ukrainian war and Palestinian conflict have shown the need to possess credible conventional forces at all times. For me, times of conventional war are not gone.

Moreover, the rocky terrain towards our west is mostly not suitable to rubber padded armor vehicles. The tracks will turn to wafer in no time.

Which other AIFV options are there ?

 

[Harbyharb]

How about an upgrade similar to M1A2s TUSK for VT-4 to assist LEAs in urban combat and COIN war since 6th Armored Division sitting Gujranwala has no impact on the current war fought on and inside the western border. One armored regiment used as test bed for urban fighting by MBTs, can be deployed in the volatile KPK region, distributed among other regular units as well as FC wings in either squadron or troop configuration to see effectiveness in curbing terrorism.

That is very much possible.

Prior to 2015, Chinese tanks have suffered from relatively weak suspension, specifically low Torsion Bar strength and life, yet following setbacks and revelations during both internal exercises and external use in Tank Biathlon and PA tank bid against BM Oplot, it is said that both indigenous ZTZ99A, as well as VT-4s, enjoys reinforced suspension that's up to the leading international standard, enabling redundancies for side protection modules.

VT-5 have showcased the ability to mount modular side protection in their state television, with the primary advertised scheme being FY-2SH ERA (FY-4 also possible), offering defense against Tandem HEAT and resistance against darts in certain frontal angles. Still, as Russian experience have shown, a more comprehensive protection calls for the addition of active protection systems, where both GL-5 and GL-6 are offered.

VT-4 certainly have the potential to become a very effective city fighter thanks to advanced anti-personnel and structure munitions, capable of firing:
BTE-2/3 high explosive with advanced JH-2 explosive formula, with a TNT equivalent of ~5.25kg, more than twice that of NATO 120x570mm multi-purpose high explosive shells;
BTS-8 PELE shells, a dedicated anti-structure shell combining a high explosive body with a tungsten penetrator tip, designed to penetrate concrete/brick walls and explode with enhanced lateral effect
GP-125 ATGM for engaging structures from afar;
BTJ-3 tandem HEAT-FS against reinforced structures and light vehicles

Overall VT-4/Al-Haider is a very promising platform, where continuous improvement would certainly transform an already capable vehicle into a platform ready for future conflicts.