The Al-Zarrar is a second-generation main battle tank (MBT), currently in Pakistan Army service since 2004. The tank takes its name from Muslim warrior Zarrar bin Al-Azwar.It is an upgrade of Pakistan's aging Chinese Type 59 tanks (a design which was, in effect, based on the mid-1950s Soviet T-54A), built with Ukrainian assistance Produced by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), which features a 125 mm smoothbore weapon as its primary weapon. The Al-Zarrar is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 65 km (40 mi) per hour, weighs about 44 tons and has a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader and driver.Although the upgrade program began in 1990, it was not until 2004 that the Al-Zarrar entered military service with the Pakistan Army Armoured Corps, replacing the Type 59s. In 2008, attempts were made to export the Al-Zarrar to the Bangladeshi Army to replace its Type 59 G fleet by transfer of technology. This contract did not make any progress, however, and as of 2017, Pakistan Army remained its sole operator.