Exclusive: India’s New Zorawar Light Tank Achieves Key Success in First Desert Firing Trials.

On September 13, 2024, the Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful completion of the first phase of developmental field firing trials for India’s Zorawar Light Tank project. Conducted in the demanding conditions of desert terrain, the trials achieved all set objectives, demonstrating the tank's capability and accuracy. The successful tests mark a crucial milestone in the development of the Zorawar light tank, a vital component of India’s armored warfare modernization efforts, specifically designed to enhance combat readiness in high-altitude and difficult terrain.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

India's Zorawar Light Tank in action during its first phase of firing trials in desert terrain. (Picture source: India DRDO)

In September 2022, it was confirmed that Indian Company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was selected as the development partner for this "mountain tank," with the concept being unveiled at DefExpo 2022. The first prototypes were slated for rollout by 2023. Initial reports from April 2023 indicate that the Indian Army may induct up to 700 units of this light tank, which will significantly enhance India’s armored capabilities in high-altitude areas where traditional battle tanks struggle to operate.

The Zorawar’s light tank development is part of India’s broader defense modernization efforts and its push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. Numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), have contributed to the project, showcasing the strength of indigenous capabilities. As trials progress, the light tank Zorawar is expected to be combat-ready by 2027, with around 354 units initially planned for procurement​.

Zorawar is named after General Zorawar Singh, a renowned 19th-century military leader known for his campaigns in Ladakh and Tibet. This symbolizes the tank's suitability for mountainous warfare. Weighing approximately 25 tons, it is designed to be agile and rapidly deployable in high-altitude regions. The tank is equipped with the Cockerill 3105 turret armed with a 105mm gun, providing substantial firepower to engage armored targets and fortified positions. It is also capable of amphibious operations and can serve as a limited artillery platform. It is designed with a focus on agility and rapid deployment and has been tailored to the unique demands of India's operational landscape.

The importance of light tanks in mountain warfare lies not only in their operational capabilities but also in their strategic value. The lighter, more mobile tanks can be rapidly transported by air to contested areas, such as those along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining a strong defensive posture and responding to threats in regions like Tibet, where Chinese forces have already deployed their own light tank.

The Indian Army’s Light Tank project, Zorawar, is a crucial part of India’s strategy to address the unique operational challenges posed by high-altitude and remote areas, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The need for such a tank became evident during the 2020-2022 skirmishes between India and China, where the extreme altitudes of the Ladakh region made it difficult to operate heavier main battle tanks like the T-72, T-90, and Arjun Mk1 and Mk2, which were not designed for such harsh and rugged conditions. This renewed focus on light tanks in the late 2010s and early 2020s underscored the importance of developing a platform that could offer mobility and firepower in challenging terrains.

India's Zorawar Light Tank, designed for high-altitude agility and firepower, strengthens the nation's defense capabilities in rugged terrains. (Picture source India DRDO)