India's first indigenous light tank, the Zorawar, has completed its primary trials. In September-October 2025, the Indian Army will initiate user trials in Ladakh. The tank demonstrated its 105mm gun's firing capability, mobility, and water floating ability in early tests. DRDO's chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat confirmed this development.
What Makes the Zorawar Light Tank Special?
The Zorawar Light Tank is specially designed for high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim, where heavier tanks like the T-72 and T-90 face challenges. Weighing just 25 tons, it offers agility and speed. This project was initiated following the 2020 India-China Galwan Valley conflict when China deployed its Type-15 Light Tank at the LAC. Zorawar was conceived as a strategic response.
Features at a Glance:
105mm Gun: Equipped with a barrel from Belgium's John Cockerill, capable of firing anti-tank missiles and adaptable for mountain warfare with a 42-degree elevation.
Power: Provides a robust 750-1000 horsepower courtesy of American company Cummins, delivering 30 horsepower per ton for a swift, nimble vehicle.
Water Capability: Operable in rivers and marshy areas.
Advanced Technology: Features drones, loitering munitions, and an Active Protection System (APS).
Air Transportable: Easily deployable in remote areas by the Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III.
Source: aajtak
Achievements in Trials
The Zorawar Tank has successfully cleared several critical evaluations...
January 2024: Track trials commenced at L&T's Hazira plant in Gujarat.
September 2024: Conducted desert trials in Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range, mastering accurate strikes with its 105mm gun. Its First Round Hit Probability (FRHP) is crucial in modern warfare.
December 2024: High-altitude trials were held over 4200 meters in Ladakh's Nyoma, where it excelled in cold temperatures, rocky terrain, and steep ascents.
January 2025: With all developmental trials by DRDO successfully completed, the tank is ready for Army use.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat from DRDO noted that user trials in Ladakh would start by September or October 2025, spanning 12 to 18 months, testing the tank in various climates and across altitudes. The Zorawar is anticipated to be inducted by 2027.
Indigenous and Global Collaboration
The Zorawar Tank stands as a testament to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Developed by DRDO's Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and L&T in just two years, it involved numerous Indian companies (MSMEs) contributing sub-systems. A few components were sourced internationally...
Engine: Initially opted for an 800 horsepower engine from Germany's MTU, constrained by German export regulations, it later switched to Cummins' 750-1000 horsepower engine, with plans for local production in India. DRDO is also working on an indigenous engine.
Gun: Although using Belgium's John Cockerill 105mm barrel, licensing talks for Indian manufacturing by L&T are ongoing.
Army's Need and Future Perspective
The Indian Army plans to procure 354 Zorawar Tanks, awarding L&T the contract for the first 59 units. The remaining 295 will be up for competition, with bids from contenders like Bharat Forge. This project holds a budget of approximately Rs 17,500 crore.
Source: aajtak
The tank is set to challenge China’s Type-15 Light Tank stationed at the LAC. Named after 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, famed for his conquests in Ladakh and Tibet, user trials will comprehensively assess aspects like...
Mobility across deserts, snow, and rivers.
Armor strength and Active Protection System.
Engine and transmission reliability.
With the Zorawar Light Tank, India's military capabilities are poised for a significant boost. It will not only augment defenses in challenging terrains like Ladakh but also promote indigenous defense manufacturing. The collaboration between DRDO and L&T is groundbreaking. If trials are successful, the Zorawar is expected to join the Army by 2027.
