In his comments to the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence (MoD) Khurram Dastgir Khan stated that Pakistan was both interested and in talks with Russia for big-ticket defence items. Quwa Premium discussed the MoD’s comments regarding the Su-35 and air defence systems in part-one and part-two, respectively, while part-three discusses the potential of Pakistani helicopter procurement from Russia. The MoD flatly told RIA Novosti that Pakistan was “interested” in the T-90 main battle tank (MBT) and that it would “not be a one-time purchase, but a long-term commitment”.[1]
The MoD’s statements regarding the T-90 come amid ongoing trials by the Pakistan Army of two off-the-shelf MBTs – i.e. the NORINCO VT4 and Malyshev Factory Oplot-M from China and Ukraine, respectively. In an interview with the Ukrainian news outlet Delovaya Stolitsa, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Ukraine Maj. Gen. (retired) Athar Abbas said Pakistan could procure approximately 100 Oplots.[2] Thus, this could be an indicator of how many tanks the Army is looking to procure off-the-shelf.
The interesting aspect of the MoD’s statements – regarding the T-90 – is that they align with an actual off-the-shelf MBT program and create reasonable expectations, i.e. the Army would look to scale overhead for a new platform with additional batch purchases. However, the uncertainty is whether Russia is actually interested in selling a conventional warfare asset and, as importantly, if Pakistan is truly willing to distance itself from the valuable ties it had built with China and Ukraine in MBT development and procurement.
Russia’s Armour Offerings: COIN/CT-Focused
Interestingly, Moscow has offered armoured solutions to Pakistan, but with a focus on fulfilling Pakistan’s counterinsurgency (COIN) and counter-terrorism (CT) requirements.
Rosonboronexport brought a portfolio comprising of BTR-80A and BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and the BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) to the 2016 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi.[3] While it is true that such displays are not exclusively focused upon Pakistan, these events are in fact avenues to directly market and engage prospective Pakistani buyers. It would be nonsensical to market hardware and services in Pakistan that cannot be sold to Pakistan.
Quwa Plus
Go Beyond the Headlines on Pakistan’s Defence and Security.
Quwa Plus gives you deeper reporting, briefings, and analysis on Pakistan’s defence programs, foreign policy, national security, and regional strategy. Follow the developments that matter to professionals, analysts, and serious readers tracking Pakistan’s security landscape.
Join ($29.99/Year) Already a subscriber?Sign in
