Berlin, March 26, 2026 (Agencies) — Pakistan’s indigenous Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank has been declared the winner over India’s Arjun MBT at an international tank competition hosted in Germany. The event, attended by defense experts and military observers from across Europe, evaluated the combat readiness, mobility, and firepower of domestically developed tanks.
Pakistan’s Al-Khalid, jointly developed with Chinese collaboration and Ukrainian input on engine design, weighs approximately 48 tons and is armed with a 125 mm smoothbore gun capable of firing advanced ammunition types including guided missiles. Powered by a 1,200 hp diesel engine, the tank demonstrated strong acceleration, agility, and fuel efficiency across varied terrain. Its modular composite armor, with options for explosive reactive armor, further enhanced its battlefield resilience. Widely inducted into the Pakistan Army, the Al-Khalid has also attracted interest from Middle Eastern and African buyers.
India’s Arjun MBT, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), weighs around 58 tons and is armed with a 120 mm rifled gun optimized for indigenous ammunition. It is powered by a 1,400 hp engine, but its heavy weight reduced agility during the trials. The Arjun’s advanced Kanchan composite armor was praised for resilience against modern anti-tank munitions, yet logistical and operational concerns have limited its induction into the Indian Army. Unlike the Al-Khalid, the Arjun has not achieved significant export traction.
During the German trials, Al-Khalid impressed with faster reload times, superior accuracy in rapid-fire exercises, and smoother performance on muddy tracks and steep inclines. It completed endurance runs with better fuel efficiency, while the Arjun’s heavier frame restricted maneuverability despite its stronger armor protection.
Defense analysts suggest Pakistan’s recognition could enhance its defense export profile and boost confidence in its indigenous industry. India is expected to continue refining the Arjun platform, focusing on weight reduction and improved battlefield adaptability.