The existence of the Zulfiqar main battle tank was revealed in 1994. It is also referred as the Zolfaqar. This MBT is named after a legendary sword. Six prototypes were completed and tested in 1997. It is an indigenous design, which uses components and systems of the US-supplied M60 MBT and Russian T-72, which is manufactured in Iran. It is estimated that about 100 of these tanks are deployed in Iran by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

   This main battle tank has a welded steel hull and turret. The front arc is reinforced with composite armor.

   The Zulfiqar is armed with a fully-stabilized 125-mm smoothbore gun, fitted with an autoloader. This gun and associated automatic loader are understood to be from the Russian T-72 MBT. Vehicle has a relatively small turret.

   Secondary armament consists of a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun. It appears that this main battle tank lacks a coaxial machine gun.

   This main battle tank is fitted with Slovenian computerized fire control system.

   Vehicle has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.

   The Zulfiqar main battle tank uses suspension components of the M60. Vehicle is powered by an unidentified V12 diesel engine. Some sources claim that it develops 1 000 hp.

Variants

   Zulfiqar 2 is a further development of the Zulfiqar 1. It is an interim MBT, which served as a test bed for the Zulfiqar 3. It is fitted with new engine, and extended chassis. It also has a new turret with sloping front and bustle at the rear. This may indicate removal of the autoloader, or possibly, a new autoloader;

   Zulfiqar 3 a further development of the Zulfiqar 2. This main battle tank was selected for production.