COAS witnesses handover of Tank Al Khalid-I to Armoured Corps

RAWALPINDI: Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa while visiting Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has expressed satisfaction over the operational readiness of troops.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Bajwa was chief guest at the handing over ceremony of Tank Al Khalid-I to Armoured Corps Regiment.

General Bajwa reiterated that Pakistan’s defence production is only intended to ensure peace. The tank is a joint venture with China and Ukraine.

https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1288125076617846791

General Qamar expressed his confidence, satisfaction and appreciation for HIT’s state-of-the-art products and capabilities.

He also appreciated the efforts of HIT towards the attainment of self-reliance and manufacturing of world-class indigenous defence products, direly needed in the evolving security environment, read the statement.

…Major General Syed Aamer Raza, Chairman #HIT highlighted the ongoing projects, achievements of HIT and its contributions in defence industry by pursuing self reliance. #COAS expressed his confidence, satisfaction and appreciation for HIT’s state of the art products (3/5)

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) July 28, 2020

Reiterating the need for bolstering defence and operational preparedness, the army chief said: “Our defence preparation and operational readiness are to ensure peace within and peace without.” “However, if provoked we shall respond and respond with all our might,” the COAS was quoted as saying.

The military’s media wing further said during the ceremony Tank Al Khalid-I displayed some of its outstanding capabilities including mobility, speed, bi-axis gun stabilisation of the control system and use of smokescreen to mask movement.

According to the ISPR, the tank will be handed over to formations with the critical and decisive role during the war. Major General Syed Aamer Raza, the chairman HIT, highlighted the ongoing projects, achievements of HIT and its contribution in the defence industry by pursuing self-reliance.