India's first indigenous light tank, Zorawar, has successfully completed its primary trials. Set to commence user trials this September-October in Ladakh, the Indian Army's anticipation grows as the tank showcased its prowess in firing its 105 mm gun, maneuverability, and ability to navigate water bodies. This confirmation was provided by DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat.
Why is the Zorawar Light Tank Special?
The Zorawar Light Tank is specifically tailored for high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim, where heavier tanks such as the T-72 and T-90 encounter operational challenges. Weighing merely 25 tons, it offers a lightweight, agile alternative that emerged from a project initiated after the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish between India and China, as China deployed its Type-15 Light Tank along the LAC. The Zorawar was designed as an apt counter.
This tank features distinctive attributes...
105 mm Gun: Equipped with a barrel from Belgium's John Cockerill, capable of firing anti-tank missiles and elevating up to 42 degrees for mountainous warfare.
Power: Boasts an engine from American giant Cummins delivering 750-1000 horsepower, ensuring a commendable 30 horsepower per ton ratio for swift movement.
Amphibious Ability: Operational efficacy in rivers and marshlands adds to its versatility.
Advanced Technology: Features such as drones, loitering munitions, and Active Protection Systems (APS) enhance its combat capabilities.
Air Transport: Quick deployment to remote terrains like Ladakh via India’s C-17 Globemaster III.
Source: aajtak
What has happened in the Trials so far?
The Zorawar tank has triumphed over several significant evaluations...
January 2024: L&T's plant in Hazira, Gujarat, kickstarted the track trials.
September 2024: Conducted initial (Desert) trials at Rajasthan's Mahajan Field Firing Range, demonstrating precise shooting accuracy with its 105 mm gun via First Round Hit Probability (FRHP), crucial in modern warfare.
December 2024: High-altitude testing at Nyoma, Ladakh, exceeding 4200 meters in elevation, where it showcased exceptional performance across cold climates, rocky terrains, and steep ascends.
January 2025: With all developmental trials concluded by DRDO, the tank is poised for army integration.
DRDO Chief Dr. Sameer V. Kamat announced user trials beginning by September or October 2025 in Ladakh, spanning 12-18 months, probing the tank's competency in varied terrains, climates, and altitudes. Expected induction into the armed forces is projected for 2027.
Indigenous and Global Collaboration
The Zorawar Tank stands as a remarkable embodiment of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Resulting from a collaborative endeavor between DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) and L&T in just two years, numerous Indian SMEs contributed to its subsystem development. While some components remain sourced internationally...
Engine: Initially featuring an 800-horsepower engine from Germany’s MTU with delays due to export regulations, Cummins’ 750-1000 horsepower engine was adopted subsequently, with plans for local production. DRDO is also crafting an indigenous engine.
Gun: Utilizes a 105 mm barrel from John Cockerill of Belgium, with discussions for licensed production in India by L&T underway.
Military Enhancement and Future Vision
The Indian Army plans to procure 354 Zorawar tanks, securing an initial batch of 59 from L&T, with further competition for the remaining 295 involving Indian contenders like Bharat Forge. This ambitious project costs around 175 billion Rupees.
Source: aajtak
This tank aims to counter China's Type-15 light tank deployed at the LAC. Named in honor of 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, renowned for his victories in Ladakh and Tibet, user trials will meticulously examine aspects such as...
Mobility across deserts, snow, and rivers.
Armor resilience and Active Protection System efficiency.
Engine and transmission reliability.
Boost to India's Military Might
The Zorawar Light Tank is set to elevate India's military prestige and capabilities, bolstering national defense manufacturing efforts. Achieved through DRDO and L&T partnership, this masterpiece was realized in merely two years. Successful user trials could see the Zorawar joining the army’s ranks by 2027.
