DUHOK, Kurdistan Region — Anwar Atroshi Company, also known as SHIELD, a private defense manufacturer based in Duhok, has unveiled the B70, a 25-ton combat tank that the company describes as the first tank in the Kurdistan Region to be designed and built locally by Kurdish engineers and technical specialists.
Company owner Anwar Saeed, also referred to as Anwar Atrushi, Enwer Said or Anwar Saeed, said the B70 was developed through the company’s own engineering work and was not copied from a foreign tank design.
“The design process was carried out entirely by our own engineers and technical specialists. We did not imitate any foreign model; we created the B70 based on an original design,” Saeed said in comments reported by Kurdistan24.
B70 Underwent Field Testing
According to SHIELD, the B70 incorporates modern military technology, including sensors and laser-based systems. The vehicle has undergone testing in different environments to assess its durability and operational performance.
The tests included mountainous terrain, open plains and marshy or water-covered areas.
The company said most of the vehicle is manufactured locally, while some specialized components, including the engine and tires, are sourced from Germany. SHIELD also said final technical adjustments are being made to the tank’s track and running systems before full deployment.
Company Claims Lower Production Cost
SHIELD says the B70 could provide a lower-cost option compared with foreign armored vehicles.
According to Saeed, the company can produce the B70 for approximately $500,000. He compared this with what he described as a roughly $2 million price for comparable 2025-model foreign tanks available on the global market.
The company estimates that its Duhok facility could produce approximately one B70 per month when operating at full capacity.
SHIELD’s Expansion Into Vehicle Manufacturing
SHIELD began operations in 2014, initially providing maintenance and repair services for armored military vehicles. The company later expanded into manufacturing military, security and civilian protected vehicles.
Some of its earlier armored vehicles have been supplied to Peshmerga forces.
The company is licensed by the Kurdistan Region’s Companies Registry and the Engineers Syndicate and employs local engineers and industrial specialists. Earlier reporting on SHIELD's vehicles stated that most components for previous models were produced locally, while engines and tires were sourced from Germany.
Focus on Peshmerga Support
Saeed said the company's main objective with the B70 project is to support the Peshmerga forces with domestically developed technology.
He has also expressed hope for stronger coordination and support from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs to help the company expand production and work on additional military platforms.
The project reflects SHIELD’s broader effort to develop local engineering and manufacturing capabilities for armored and protected vehicles in the Kurdistan Region.
Government Attention
The company has also received attention from Kurdistan Region leadership. Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani previously visited SHIELD’s exhibition stand at the Zakho International Exhibition, where he reviewed the company’s work.
During the visit, Barzani described the company’s achievements as unique or unprecedented and expressed support for the development of local industry.
The B70’s introduction represents a new development in the Kurdistan Region’s domestic defense manufacturing sector. SHIELD says local production could help reduce future procurement costs for armored vehicles and related equipment while providing opportunities for local engineers and industrial specialists to participate in military technology development.
The information in this report is based on statements from SHIELD and reporting by Kurdistan24 and related local coverage published in August 2026.
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