The VT-4, also known as the MBT-3000, is a state-of-the-art Chinese-made Main Battle Tank that represents a significant leap forward in Pakistan’s armored capabilities. The tank has been procured by the Pakistan Army, with an agreement in place for its local production under the name “Haider”. This strategic acquisition aims to modernize Pakistan’s tank fleet with a new generation of high-performance vehicles. The VT-4 is designed to compete with the world’s most advanced MBTs, offering a formidable balance of firepower, protection, and mobility. Its primary armament is a 125mm smoothbore gun, which is fed by an automatic loader, allowing the crew to be reduced to just three personnel. This gun is capable of firing a variety of modern munitions, including advanced armor-piercing rounds and anti-tank guided missiles, giving it a flexible and lethal capability against a range of threats. The tank’s fire-control system is highly sophisticated, featuring a commander’s panoramic sight and a hunter-killer capability, which enables the tank to rapidly acquire and engage multiple targets with a high degree of accuracy. The VT-4’s protection is a multi-layered system, comprising a composite armor package and explosive reactive armor (ERA), which provides robust defense against both kinetic energy and shaped-charge warheads. Mobility is powered by a 1,200 hp diesel engine with a hydro-mechanical automatic transmission, enabling a high top speed and excellent maneuverability. The planned local production of the “Haider” variant is a testament to Pakistan’s long-term strategy of building a self-sufficient defense industry and marks a new era for its armored forces.
- Type: Main Battle Tank (MBT)
- Armament: 125mm smoothbore gun with autoloader
- Engine: 1,200 hp diesel
- Armor: Composite armor and Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA)
- Crew: 3
- Weight: 52 tons
- Speed: 70 km/h on road
- Operational Range: 500 km
- Key Features: Advanced fire-control system with hunter-killer capability, robust multi-layered protection, and a highly mobile chassis with an automatic transmission.
