Armor Article Index : Current 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
 Latest
 News 		  Most
 Read 		  Most
 Commented		  Hot
 Topics
December 31, 2003
   
Apparently, the Saudis have reached another threshold in their evaluation of the Pakistani "Al Khalid" Main Battle Tank. A Saudi team of 23 officers from the Royal Saudi Land Forces started the evaluation (which also included other Pakistani armored vehicles, like the Saad armored personnel carrier) back in October. The "Al Khalid" is essentially an upgraded T-72, using Ukrainian and Chinese components. What makes the tank particularly attractive to the Saudis is the Ukrainian success at building a tank engine that functions well in hot climates. The Chinese electronics and gun systems, while capable, have reliability problems and the armor is nothing special. The three man crew makes maintenance difficult and there are doubts that over ten years of development have solved all the vehicles problems. -- Adam Geibel

Al Khalid specifications, online at:
http://www.pakistanidefence.com/PakArmy/AlKhaildMBT2000.html