Al Khalid-I displays capabilities

RAWALPINDI: The tank Al Khalid-I, a joint venture with China and Ukraine, Tuesday, displayed some of its outstanding capabilities including mobility, speed, bi-axis gun stabilisation of the control system and use of smoke screen to mask movement.

According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the chief of army staff (COAS) general Qamar Javed Bajwa visited heavy industries Taxila (HIT), whereat he was the chief guest at the handing over ceremony of tank Al Khalid-I to armoured corps regiment.

Al Khalid-I will be handed over to formations, which have critical and decisive role during war.

HIT chairman major general Syed Aamer Raza highlighted the ongoing projects, achievements of HIT and its contribution in defence industry by pursuing self-reliance.

COAS general Bajwa expressed his confidence, satisfaction and appreciation for HIT’s state-of-the-art products and capabilities.

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

Reiterating the need for bolstering defence and operational preparedness, COAS general Bajwa said that our defence preparation and operational readiness is to ensure peace within and peace without. However, if provoked we shall respond and respond with all our might.