ISLAMABAD: The army on Tuesday held a demonstration of the newly received main battle tank, VT-4, at Tilla field firing ranges near Jhelum following its induction into the Armoured Corps.

The demonstration was witnessed by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Produced by Chinese state-owned armoured vehicle manufacturer, Norinco, the delivery of VT-4 tanks from the manufacturer started in April this year. Pakistan is the third country to have bought these tanks from China after Thailand and Nigeria.

The army said the tank would be employed in offensive role by strike formations after induction.

“The VT-4 is compatible with any modern tank in the world integrating advanced armour protection, maneuverability, fire power capabilities and state-of-the-art technology,” said the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Gen Bajwa, after witnessing the demonstration, expressed satisfaction over the new tank’s performance. He said it was yet another addition to the inventory of Armoured Corps after recent induction of indigenously produced Al-Khalid-1 tank.

“The Pakistan Army is alive to emerging challenges and regional threats. We are completely focused towards internal and external challenges to the defence of the country and prepared with matching response against all threats to sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Pakistan,” Gen Bajwa said.

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2020