Pakistan's HIT to Upgrade Bangladesh Army's Tanks

Pakistan's defense enterprise, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has proposed to upgrade Bangladeshi Army's Type 59 and Type 69IIG Chinese origin battle tanks.

A delegation led by HIT Chairman Lt. Gen. Shakir Ullah Khattak met Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker Uz Zaman at Army Headquarters on November 23. The Bangladesh Army confirmed the meeting, stating that both sides discussed “various prospects for defense cooperation.”

According to BDMILITARY.COM, the visit focused on the upgrade package submitted by HIT earlier this year, which officials say includes new 125mm main guns, reinforced armor, and a suite of mechanical and firepower improvements intended to extend the service life of the ageing Chinese-origin tanks.

The engagement follows a July trip by a Bangladesh Army delegation to HIT’s facilities, where Dhaka reviewed Pakistan’s track record in upgrading similar armored platforms.

Separately, Pakistan Navy Chief Admiral Navid Ashraf visited Dhaka from November 9 to 12, coinciding with a four-day port call by PNS Saif in Chittagong. During that engagement, the Pakistan Navy said the coordinated visits “underscore Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen longstanding ties and improve maritime collaboration with Bangladesh.”