Jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited, the Zorawar light battle tank is designed to meet the Indian Army's needs in the eastern Ladakh sector against Chinese deployment across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Defense Research and Development Authority (DRDO) began testing Zorawar in Hazira, Gujarat, on Saturday.
#WATCH | Exclusive footage of the light tank Zorawar developed jointly by DRDO and Larsen and Toubro. The tank project being developed for the Indian Army was reviewed by DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat in Hazira, Gujarat today. The tank has been developed by the DRDO to meet theâ€æ pic.twitter.com/bkJHdWkoWo — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024
In light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, UAVs and loitering munitions have been incorporated into the tank. The 25-ton Zorawar, the first tank designed and prepared for trials in a record two years, features amphibious capabilities, enabling it to navigate steep mountain climbs and cross rivers more effectively than heavier tanks like the T-72 and T-90.
Named after 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led operations in Ladakh and Western Tibet, the tank will see its initial order of 59 units followed by a larger program of 295 more. The Zorawar light tanks are set to be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027.
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat explained that user trials would include various tests, such as winter and high-altitude trials, estimating that the complete cycle would take about a year to a year and a half, with the first tank ready by 2027.
The Indian Army aims to acquire these indigenous light tanks for faster deployment and movement in high-altitude areas, countering the Chinese deployment of similar armored columns along the LAC. The tanks will feature an active protection system against anti-tank missiles and projectiles and will be amphibious to operate in riverine regions, including Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh. Indian forces have already deployed numerous tanks to counter the Chinese presence in that area.
