D
Land ForcesIran

Zulfiqar-3

Main battle tankFielded 2012Pending verification
Land ForcesIRN
Zulfiqar-3
Photo: Ali Haddadi Asl · CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMain battle tank
Date of introduction2012
ProliferationOrigin country only
ManufacturerShahid Kolah Dooz Industrial ComplexMed[1]
Crew3Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Width3.6 m12 ftMed[1]
Height2.5 m8 ftMed[1]
Combat weight41 tMed[1]
Automotive performance
Engine power1,000 hpMed[1]
Cruising range450 km280 mi · 243 nmiMed[1]
Max road speed70 km/h43 mph · 38 ktMed[1]
Cross-country speed40 km/h25 mph · 22 ktMed[1]
Fording depth1.4 mMed[1]
TransmissionSPAT 1200 automaticMed[1]
Protection
Hull ArmorReinforced composite armor on the front arc.Med[1]
Turret ArmorTurret mounts a laser-warning pod and the steel is welded providing protection from small arms fireMed[1]
Applique ArmorAvailableMed[1]
Explosive reactive armorAvailableMed[1]
NBC ProtectionYesMed[1]
Smoke EquipmentYes, Six electrically operated smoke-grenade launchers are mounted on each side of the turret.Med[1]
Armament
Rate of fire (max)8 rds/minMed[1]
Maximum elevation+14 degMed[1]
Minimum elevation-6 degMed[1]
Main armament2A46M/2A46M-5Med[1]
Secondary armamentThe Zulfiqar-3 lacks a coaxial machine gun; Type 54 (DShKM); The Rheinmetall MG 3, 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun is mounted on the front of the turret and is controlled remotel; Rheinmetall MG 3Med[1]
Maximum firing range5 km3 mi · 3 nmiLongest-range ammunition listedMed[1]
Fire control
Fire control systemUpgraded Fire Control System compared to the Zulfiqar-1 and Zulfiqar-2. Name: INAMed[1]
Computerized FCSYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight Tank CommanderYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight GunnerYesMed[1]
Thermal Sight DriverYes, passive periscope for night driving.Med[1]
Main Gun StabilizationYesMed[1]
Laser RangefinderYesMed[1]
Variants
Zulfiqar-1The Zulfiqar-1 is based on the M60 Patton model acquired under the pre-revolution era. The Zulfiqar-1 was first revealed in public in 1994. A total of six prototypes were completed and field tested in 1997. The Zulfiqar-[1]
Zulfiqar-2The Zulfiqar-2 is an interim main battle tank prototype used as a test bed. This variant is fitted with a new and more powerful engine. It has an extended chassis and possibly uses an improved autoloader.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 4Confidence · Source
Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot (APFSDS)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
39 Total Rounds of any 125mm Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
2,050 m/s
Armor penetration
1,000 mm
Projectile weight
11 kg
High Explosives (HE)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
5 km3 mi · 3 nmi
Quantity
39 Total Rounds of any 125mm Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
850 m/s
Projectile weight
23 kg
High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Range
3 km2 mi · 2 nmi
Quantity
39 Total Rounds of any 125mm Russian Projectiles
Muzzle velocity
915 m/s
Projectile weight
18.4 kg
Armor penetration
Estimated at 800 mm triple charge HEAT
Laser Beam Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)125 mm ammunition
Med[1]
Quantity
6 ea
Warhead
4.5 kg
Guidance
9S516 guidance system
Armor penetration
700mmm of homogeneous armour
Summary

The Zulfiqar-3 is the most advanced variant of the Zulfiqar family. It features considerable upgrades to the fire control system, chassis, engine and main gun.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
Iran
Sources
  1. Zulfiqar-3 Iranian Main Battle Tank (MBT), U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY 4.0)