📷 Image Credits: EurAsian Times
In a significant development, India unveiled its indigenous light tank, the ‘Zorawar,’ powered by a US engine on July 6. The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) showcased the Zorawar tank, designed for challenging terrains, showcasing its capability to navigate steep inclines easily. Weighing 25 tonnes, the Zorawar tank is set to be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027, with the first prototype already undergoing rigorous internal trials. The tank, named after 19th-century General Zorawar Singh, boasts innovative features such as an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) equipped with loitering munitions.
The Zorawar tank is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army in Ladakh with its lightweight and amphibious characteristics, allowing for increased mobility in mountainous regions. Equipped with a 105-mm gun, Multi-Ranging Sensor (MRS), and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs), the tank also features an Active Protection System (APS) and add-on modular armor blocks for enhanced functionality. The tank’s development under Army’s Project Zorawar aims to bolster the rapid deployment and maneuverability of light tanks in high-altitude regions, with plans to acquire a total of 350 light tanks for six regiments.
Initially planned to be powered by a German engine, the Zorawar tank faced a delay due to export clearance issues, leading to the adoption of a Cummins engine from the US. The decision to use US-made engines showcases India’s commitment to reliable partnerships in defense technology. Alongside the Zorawar tank, India is also preparing to test US-made Stryker armored infantry combat vehicles, part of the country’s modernization strategy. With the Zorawar tank’s advanced features and quick development timeline, India aims to challenge China’s presence at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with enhanced defense capabilities.
