Talha

   The Talha is the first Pakistan's indigenously developed armored personnel carrier. The Talha uses chassis of the US M113 APC, but is better protected. Similar vehicles are offered by Turkey, however Pakistan went for an indigenous design in attempt to have a cheaper locally-built APC.

   Main armament of the Talha APC is a 12.7-mm machine gun, located on top of the roof. Various bolt-on armor can be added for enhanced protection.

   This APC can carry 11 fully equipped troops. There are two firing ports from either side - a feature that the M113 was lacking. Troops enter and leave via the rear ramp.

   Engine compartment of the Talha APC can accommodate either a Detroit Diesel 6V53T engine, developing 275 hp, or a Ukrainian sourced UTD-20, developing 330 hp.

   Talha armored personnel carrier is fully amphibious and can cross water obstacles virtually without any preparation.

   The army of Pakistan plans to buy 2 000 of these armored vehicles by 2010, but this number might be significantly reduced due to the budget cuts. Furthermore it is not in series production yet. To date only Iraq has ordered 44 of these vehicles.

Variants

   Saad armored personnel carrier, fitted with more powerful engine. This APC has an extended hull and is better protected. It is armed with 14.5-mm machine gun;

   Mouz anti-tank guided missile carrier, armed with RBS-70 missiles. It has a crew of four;

   Maaz anti-tank guided missile carrier, armed with Baktar Shikan missiles. It has a crew of four;

   Al Hamza infantry fighting vehicle, armed with a 25-mm cannon;

   Satab command post vehicle;

   Muhafiz internal security vehicle;

   Al Hadeed armored recovery vehicle, fitted with a crane and hydraulic winch;

   Al Qaswa armored logistics vehicle. It can be used for carrying fuel, ammunition and supplies.