The development trials of the light tank Zorawar have already started and the DRDO is expected to hand it over to the Indian Army for further testing by April this year.
Indian Light Tank Zorawar Begins Trials
“The light tank with its new engine has started in our development cum production partner’s facilities. The tank has been moved around for more than 100 km, and it is expected to be given to the Indian Army by April this year,” defence officials. The Army has given orders for producing and supplying 59 Zorawar light tanks to DRDO, which is producing them with its partners Larsen and Toubro.
The Indian Army will also be holding a competition for buying 295 more light tanks under a different programme, for which six to seven firms are offering their light tanks. Collaborating with L&T under the Make in India initiative, DRDO is working on building a 25-tonne light tank capable of swift movement in high mountainous terrain.
One of the crucial features in consideration is an active protection system designed to shield combat vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles. The Army also aims for the light tank to be amphibious, allowing deployment in riverine regions, including the Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh, where the Indian forces have countered Chinese light tanks.
Designer: Larsen & Toubro
Crew: 3
Engine: diesel
Manufacturer: DRDO & L&T
No. built: 350 (planned)
Light Tanks In The Indian Army
Light tanks have got renewed focus and interest in recent times, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of Ladakh, it is very difficult to operate main battle tanks like the T-72, T-90, Arjun Mk1 and Arjun Mk2 which were neither built nor equipped to handle the harsh conditions.
Proposed Design
The new light tank is supposed to be light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower. Its capabilities will also be supplemented by artificial Intelligence, integration with swarm drones for higher situational awareness, loitering munitions for high lethality and active protection system as a shield against modern anti- armour systems.
