New Delhi – The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled its latest innovation, the Zorawar light battle tank, designed to enhance the Indian Army’s capabilities in high-altitude areas such as Ladakh. This strategic development aims to counter the deployment of Chinese forces across the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Testing and Development
The Zorawar tank was tested in Gujarat’s Hazira on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in its development. The project, a collaboration between DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, was reviewed by DRDO chief Dr. Samir V Kamat. “It’s indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype,” said Kamat. The prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, with the Zorawar expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027.
Unique Features and Capabilities
The Zorawar light tank is engineered to meet the Indian Army’s requirements in the eastern Ladakh sector, where its lightweight and amphibious capabilities offer distinct advantages. Unlike the heavier T-72 and T-90 tanks, the Zorawar can easily navigate steep climbs in mountains and cross rivers and other water bodies.
DRDO tank lab director Rajesh Kumar explained the unique features: “Generally, there are three different types of tanks based on weight: heavy, medium, and light. What is unique about this tank is the combination of the fundamental parameters of a tank, which are firepower, mobility, and protection, all optimized to maintain a low weight.”
Strategic Utility
Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, the tank is designed to be light, maneuverable, and transportable by air, while still maintaining substantial firepower, protection, surveillance, and communication capabilities. Weighing just 25 tons—half the weight of heavier tanks like the T-90—the Zorawar can operate in difficult mountain terrain inaccessible to larger tanks.
The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. This move is expected to balance the scales against China’s existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, such as the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.
Key Features
The Zorawar tank boasts several advanced features:
- A 105mm or higher caliber main gun capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles
- Modular explosive reactive armor and an active protection system to enhance survivability
- A power-to-weight ratio of at least 30 hp/ton for improved mobility
- Integration with drones and battle management systems for enhanced situational awareness
Conclusion
The induction of the Zorawar light tank will provide the Indian Army with a critical capability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and other border areas. Its combination of mobility, firepower, and advanced systems will enhance India’s overall military posture against China in these strategically important sectors.
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