Al-Khalid has been continuously improving and the AK-II will be a game changer as far as locally produced Tanks are concerned. The AIM and Concept of Procuring an Off the Shelf Tank was:
1. Numbers Game: As per AFDP-2030, Keeping in view the production rate of Local Machines there was a calculated deficiency of 300-500 MBTs which was decided to be catered to in the end by going for an Off the Shelf Purchase keeping in view the changing Geo Political Realties. Lack of ToT allows the OEM complete independence to meet the timeline deadline set by PA. It saves a lot of Hassle.
2. Availability of Finance: After the Project was conceived, The Requisite Capital needed was shifted from an illogical tender(which was cancelled) to this one (How,from where...Won’t be answered). No new capital sanctioned from GOP. Adjustment done by previous Govt.
3. Inclusion & Absorption of New Technology: VT-4 brings about a lot of revolutionary technologies on the table which will Allow PA to shift into the new domain of Mechanised Warfare.
4. Advantageous Geo-Political Situation:
While the Political and Military Situations keep on developing from the Eastern BORDER but overall strategic picture painted a reasonable picture for PA to advance with the deal as a lot of Foreign OEMs had shown a keen interest in the Tender: South Korean, Russians, Ukrainians, Polish, Chinese which allowed PA to shift away from one supplier and have a deep insight on all the major MBTs in production and a fair Comparison. This opportunity allowed PA to evaluate, evolve and grasp the standards set by different OEMs in designing a new MBT.
5. Time: Induction of VT-4 MBT will allow PA to wisely choose the sub-systems of AK-II without the Rush to put it into production. A cushion provided by the new purchase.