The DRDO has conducted field trials for the lightweight tank Zorawar, designed for the Indian Army. Targets of various ranges were successfully hit during the firing tests. The tank met all its standards. This tank has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), which is a branch of DRDO, with assistance from Larsen & Toubro and several small industries.
Watch the field trial video below
Why is there a need for such a tank?
Actually, China has deployed 500 lightweight tanks in the Himalayas. To respond effectively, the Indian Army has created the Zorawar tank. This tank can launch drones, fire anti-tank guided missiles, shoot shells, and operate machine guns. It could potentially decimate China's Type-15 tanks deployed in the Himalayas.
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Unlike heavy tanks like the T-72 or T-90, the Zorawar can be easily airlifted by helicopters to the Chinese border. Additionally, it can climb mountains on its own. The Indian Army is preparing to deploy this tank near the Chinese border in Ladakh. Zorawar translates to 'brave' in Punjabi.
Source: aajtak
Can operate on land or water
This is an armored fighting vehicle built to withstand heavy weaponry impacts, keeping soldiers inside safe. Its striking power is deadly. It is amphibious, meaning it can travel on land and swim in rivers, capable of crossing any water source.
The tank weighs only 25 tons and can be equipped with a 105 mm anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The Indian Army initially ordered 59 Zorawar tanks but plans to purchase a total of 354 tanks. These tanks will be deployed along the Line of Actual Control facing China. Only three crew members are needed to operate it.
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Named after a Chinese-Sikh war hero
This tank is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who led a military expedition to Kailash-Mansarovar during the Sino-Sikh War of 1841. Initially, India aimed to purchase such tanks from Russia but later decided to manufacture them domestically. This will be the country's first tank designed for mountain warfare.
Source: aajtak
Transportable by helicopter
Due to its lightweight, it can be easily transported anywhere by helicopter. It features a 120 mm barrel and an automatic loader, which means shells are loaded automatically. The remote weapon station can mount a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. Zorawar includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drone integration, active protection systems, and a high degree of situational awareness.
It has missile-firing capabilities, equipment for taking down enemy drones, and warning systems. The tank uses an electrical gun control system and can operate on slopes ranging from minus 10 to 42 degrees. It has a maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour and is equipped with a laser warning system.
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Is the Zorawar more powerful than China's tank?
China's tanks weigh between 33 to 36 tons and can also be easily airlifted. China has around 500 of these tanks, each measuring 30.18 feet long. These tanks have a crew of three and feature a 105 mm main barrel with an autoloader to store 38 rounds. They also have a remote-controlled weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun and an automatic grenade launcher. These tanks can reach speeds of up to 70 km/hr.
