Zorawar light tank. (Photo via special arrangement.)
Jodhpur/New Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organization has successfully completed the first phase of field-firing trials for the Zorawar light tank. These trials, conducted on Friday at a desert firing range in Rajasthan, mark a crucial step in enhancing the Indian Army’s combat readiness in high-altitude and rugged terrains.
In a media release, the defence ministry said the Zorawar light tank, developed in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Defence, demonstrated exceptional performance during the trials. The tank, weighing 25 tonnes, is designed to operate efficiently in diverse environments, including the challenging conditions of the Himalayas.
During the trials, the Zorawar tank showcased its advanced capabilities, including precision targeting and effective firing performance. The tank’s ability to hit designated targets with high accuracy was rigorously evaluated, and it met all the intended objectives. This success underscores the tank’s potential to significantly enhance the Army’s operational capabilities.
The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, lauded the efforts of DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for this achievement. He emphasized that the successful trials of the Zorawar light tank represent a significant stride towards India’s goal of self-reliance in critical defence technologies. “This is a testament to our commitment to indigenously developing advanced defence systems,” Singh said.
The Zorawar light tank is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including the ability to launch drones, fire anti-tank guided missiles, and operate machine guns. Its design allows for swift transportation via helicopters, which makes it highly versatile for rapid deployment in mountainous regions. This capability is particularly strategic given the ongoing military confrontations along the India-China line of actual control (LAC).
The development of the Zorawar tank involved contributions from numerous Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The tank’s successful trials are expected to pave the way for its next phase of testing.
As India Sentinels had reported, the Zorawar light tank is slated to be inducted into the Army by 2027, with an initial batch of 59 tanks planned for deployment.
