A Zorawar light tank during firing trials in Ladakh. (Photo via special arrangement)
New Delhi: India’s indigenously developed light tank, named Zorawar, has successfully completed high-altitude firing trials in Ladakh. This marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Indian Army’s operational capabilities in challenging terrains. Designed by the Defence Research and Development Organization’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, the tank is specifically tailored for deployment in rugged, high-altitude regions along the line of actual control (LAC).
The trials, conducted at an altitude exceeding 4,200 metres, validated the Zorawar’s advanced firepower, mobility, and survivability features. This achievement follows earlier desert trials, as India Sentinels had reported, which demonstrated the tank’s versatility in diverse environments. The compact and lightweight design allows rapid deployment in regions where traditional main battle tanks face mobility constraints.
As part of development trials, Light Tank Zorawar was tested with support of Indian Army at High Altitude & has achieved consistently accurate results in multiple fires. Airlifting Capability of Tank was also demonstrated by @IAF_MCC for quick deployment in remote locations pic.twitter.com/c0BC3AepMo
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) December 12, 2024
Notably, according to reports, an Indian Air Force’s Il-76 heavy-lift aircraft carried the light tank to the firing range demonstrating the Zorawar’s airlift capability, which allows for quick deployment in remote areas that are difficult to reach by road or rail. The IAF can transport two Zorawar tanks, which weigh just 25 tonnes each, at a time using its C-17 Globemaster III heavy-lift transport aircraft.
The Zorawar features state-of-the-art technology, including advanced weapon systems and enhanced mobility mechanisms. It is equipped to be airlifted, facilitating swift deployment in forward areas. The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, lauded the DRDO, the Army, and L&T for their efforts in achieving this milestone, underscoring the tank’s role in strengthening India’s defensive posture in sensitive border areas.
The successful trials come amid heightened tensions along the LAC, sending a strong message about India’s commitment to bolstering its defence infrastructure in response to regional security dynamics.
The development of the Zorawar light tank aligns with India’s broader push to modernize its armed forces with indigenously made, highly efficient systems. As the threat landscape evolves, the tank’s agility, firepower, and protection systems offer a formidable solution to high-altitude combat challenges.
Several steps are expected to follow before it becomes fully operational within the Army. The Zorawar will undergo additional rigorous trials to assess its performance across various terrains and weather conditions.
According to defence sources, these trials will include cold-weather testing in the Siachen Glacier region, known for its extreme temperatures and challenging conditions. The tank’s performance will provide valuable data to make necessary refinements and adjustments.
After internal trials, the Zorawar will be handed over to the Army for user trials. These will involve deployment in simulated combat situations to evaluate the tank’s operational readiness and its ability to integrate with existing forces. Feedback from these trials will be critical in fine-tuning the systems and ensuring they meet the operational requirements.
Once user trials are successfully completed, the Zorawar tank will enter the production phase. L&T, in partnership with DRDO, will oversee the manufacturing process to ensure the tanks meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
The Army aims to induct the first batch of Zorawar tanks by 2027, with a phased rollout to ensure smooth integration into the armoured regiments. An initial order of 59 units is planned, with potential for expansion based on operational performance. The Army requires 354 such light tanks to be deployed along its northern borders.
