The Indian Army has long felt the need for a light tank that can effectively operate in the high-altitude and mountainous terrain along its northern borders, particularly in the face of China’s deployment of similar tanks. The T-90 and T-72 tanks, which were designed for different terrains, proved to be logistically challenging to deploy during the 2020 India-China standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

Enter the Zorawar

In response to this need, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) embarked on the development of a light tank, codenamed “Zorawar,” in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The Zorawar is designed to be a highly mobile and agile tank that can operate effectively in altitudes of up to 18,000 feet and negotiate narrow and treacherous roads. It is also equipped with a powerful 105 mm gun, a range of advanced sensors, and a state-of-the-art fire control system.

Key Features

• Weight: 25 tonnes
• Length: 7.5 meters
• Width: 3.5 meters
• Height: 2.5 meters
• Armament: 105 mm gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
• Engine: 800 horsepower diesel engine
• Range: 500 kilometers
• Speed: 65 kilometers per hour

Benefits

The Zorawar tank offers several advantages over its predecessors:

• Increased Mobility: The Zorawar’s lightweight and powerful engine allows it to maneuver effectively in high-altitude and mountainous terrain, providing the Indian Army with a significant tactical advantage.

• Enhanced Firepower: The 105 mm gun is capable of firing a variety of ammunition, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and armor-piercing sabot rounds. It can also be fitted with a gun-launched anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).

• Improved Protection: The Zorawar’s armor is designed to withstand fire from a variety of threats, including small arms, machine guns, and anti-tank weapons.

• Reduced Logistical Burden: The Zorawar’s smaller size and lighter weight make it easier to transport and deploy, reducing the logistical burden on the Indian Army.

Indigenously Developed

The development of the Zorawar is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to become self-sufficient in defense manufacturing. The tank is a testament to the country’s growing technological capabilities and its commitment to developing advanced military equipment.

Induction and Future Plans

The Indian Army is initially planning to induct about 300 Zorawar tanks. However, the number could be increased in the future depending on the Army’s requirements. The Zorawar is expected to play a key role in maintaining India’s military edge over its adversaries.

Conclusion

The indigenous light tank Zorawar is a significant addition to the Indian Army’s arsenal. It is a highly capable tank that will provide the Army with a much-needed advantage in high-altitude and mountainous terrain. The Zorawar is also a symbol of India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities.