Self-reliance in defence production hallmark of any country: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who visited the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) on Tuesday, said that self-reliance in defence production is the hallmark of any country.

"Self-reliance in defence production is the hallmark of any country and we are proud of the milestones achieved towards that end," the COAS remarked.

The COAS was briefed about HIT capabilities, progress of ongoing projects and recently undertaken Balancing, Modernisation and Revamping (BMR) measures for HIT production units. The COAS visited various facilities of HIT and witnessed recently developed enhanced

protection solutions and remote weapon systems for tanks, indigenously developed 155mm artillery gun barrel, ballistic and IED protection of military vehicles and manufacturing, rebuild and upgradation of tanks and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs).

General Bajwa also witnessed on-going research & development projects and lauded the efforts of HIT to attain self-reliance through indigenisation in modern technologies of tanks, artillery guns and ballistic protection solutions for vehicles.

The COAS expressed his confidence in expertise of HIT and appreciated commitment of chairman, officers and workforce towards transforming HIT into a modern defence production industry for meeting requirements of Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) at par with international standards. Earlier, on arrival, COAS was received by HIT Chairman Major General Syed Aamer Raza.