Pakistan has officially launched its newest Main Battle Tank (MBT) named Haider. The ceremony was held at the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) manufacturing facility. The launch marks a significant milestone in Pakistan's defense capabilities.

The Haider is the result of a collaboration between HIT and the Chinese defense company NORINCO. The tank is based on NORINCO's VT4 platform, renowned for its firepower, protection, and exceptional maneuverability.

The Haider is armed with a powerful 125mm smoothbore cannon. The cannon can fire a variety of ammunition, including armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds and anti-tank missiles. Additionally, the Haider is equipped with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) with a 12.7mm machine gun for close-range combat.

Powering the Haider is a 1,200 hp electronically controlled turbocharged diesel engine. The engine is coupled with a hydromechanical automatic transmission, allowing the Haider to reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h on hard-surfaced roads and has a cruising range of 500 km.