- Yes
- No
- How should it get added?
- As a researchable vehicle in the Chinese tree
- As a premium/event vehicle in the Chinese tree
- In an independent Pakistani tree, or a multi-nation tree including Pakistan (excluding China)
- Other/Don’t know/Don’t mind
- I don’t want it ingame
This suggestion was originally approved in 2021 on the old forum
Al-Zarrar
The Al-Zarrar is a modernized variant of the Type 59 in service with the Pakistan Army. Featuring ERA, an improved engine, thermals and a 125mm smoothbore gun, the Al-Zarrar gives a new twist to the old Type 59 formula.
History
The Type 59 (a Chinese T-54A produced under license) entered Pakistani Army service in 1965, at first with a batch of 80 tanks. This number increased through the 70s and 80s, with 1,300 being in service by 1990. By then, the tank was starting to show its age.
An upgrade program for the Type 59 fleet was started in 1990 by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). The Type 59 was rebuilt with over 50 modifications of the original design and including technology from the Al-Khalid and Type 85 programs (also developed/licensed by HIT). The prototypes underwent extensive testing with HIT and the Pakistan Army until a final modernization design was approved for production. The tank was named Al-Zarrar (in honor of Zarrar bin Al-Azwar, a historical warrior serving the Rashidun Caliphate) and entered mass production in 2003, with a first batch entering service in 2004. Currently, about 504 tanks are in service with the Pakistan Army.
Though HIT offers the upgrade package to other T-54/55/Type 59 operators, Pakistan remains the sole operator of the Al-Zarrar. Apart from a failed bid with Bangladesh in 2008 (who developed a similar upgrade in the Type 59G Durjoy), no other country has expressed interest in the upgrade program.
Armament and electronics
The Al-Zarrar upgrade package exchanges the original 100 mm cannon with a fully stabilized 125 mm smoothbore cannon, which it shares with Pakistan’s Type 85 MBTs. The cannon uses a semiautomatic loader, so the tank retains the fourth crew member. APFSDS, HEAT-FS and HE-FS rounds are used; compatible APFSDS rounds include:
-
125-I APFSDS: Chinese round produced under license. Penetration of 434 mm at 2 km on the ingame ZTZ96.
-
Naiza APFSDS: Depleted uranium APFSDS with a reported penetration of 550 mm at 2 km
The FCS was modernized to include a domestically-designed fire control system with laser rangefinder. The tank uses a Thetis CT2G thermal imager (2nd gen), which provides thermals to both commander and gunner.
Secondary armament consists of a 12.7mm Type 54 HMG, a 7.62 coaxial machine gun, and 8 smoke grenade launchers.
Protection
The turret has been modified with an external steel shell, which acts as spaced armor and eases the installation of ERA. The tank can mount ERA on the glacis, side skirts, turret front and turret sides, though generally the side ERA is omitted. Mine protection on the hull floor has been installed. It can also mount side skirts.
Two prototypes with different turret designs and ERA placements are known.
An ATCOP LTS-1 laser warning receiver is fitted.
*Note: some sources claim that composite armor was added to the turret, but I’m skeptical since one picture of a damaged Al-Zarrar only shows empty space between the new plates and the old turret.
Mobility
The old 520 hp engine has been replaced by a 730 hp, V-12 diesel engine (designated as 12150L-7BV, same as in the Type 85-IIAP). The exhausts have been moved to the right side. The transmission and suspension have also been updated. With a combat weight of 42.7 tons, this results in a top speed of 55 Km/h** and a PWR of 17.1 hp/ton. The Al-Zarrar’s cruising range is 400 Km, maximum gradient is 60%, maximum vertical obstacle is .8 m, and maximum fording depth is 1.4 m.
**As quoted from the HIT brochure. Some sources state a top speed of 65 Km/h.
Specifications
| Combat weight | 42.7 tons |
|---|---|
| Length | 6.04 |
| Width | 3.27 |
| Height | 2.59 |
| Crew | 4 |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 17.1 hp/ton |
| Engine horsepower | 730 hp |
| Maximum torque / rpm | 305 Kg/1300-1400 rpm |
| Maximum speed | 55 Km/h |
| Cruising range | 400 Km (with extra barrels) |
| Vertical obstacle | 0.8 m |
| Fording | 1.4 m |
| Gradient | 60% |
| Main armament | 125 mm smoothbore cannon |
| Secondary armament | 12.7mm Type 54 HMG, |
| 7.62 coaxial machine gun, | |
| 8x smoke grenade launchers | |
| Thermals | Gunner and commander, 2nd generation |
Gallery
Al-Zarrars without ERA, showing the shape of the turret
Al-Zarrar with full ERA coverage
Partial ERA. The exhausts are visible.
Damaged unit, showing the old turret under the steel shell
Interior
Left: Naiza APFSDS
Prototypes (I haven’t found much info on them):
Prototypes
Sources
Manufacturer brochure
HIT brochure: https://auto-brochure.com/product/taxila-tank-al-zarrar-t-59-pakistan-brochure-prospekt/
Online sources
https://pakstrategic.com/2020/09/26/features-of-al-zarrar-main-battle-tank-of-pakistan-army/ (archived)
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/mbt-modernization-program-a-step-in-the-right-direction.660224/
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/al-zarrar-mbt-news-updates-discussions.43232/page-5
Al Zarrar Tank - Fighting-Vehicles.com
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/alzarrarmianbattleta/
Where and why should it be added? I believe the Chinese tree is the best place for this vehicle, considering its level of Chinese tech and the close diplomatic and military relations between Pakistan and the PRC. This vehicle could be part of a Pakistani subtree or an export tank line in the Chinese tree; falling that, it could be a premium/event/squadron vehicle.
