Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the prototype of India’s indigenously developed light tank Zoravar which will now undergo extensive testing.It was jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with contributions from various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).The requirement for a light tank (maximum 25 tonnes) was aroused during the 2020 standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, which highlighted the need for lightweight, easily deployable tanks.
Zoravar Light Tank
- The Zoravar Light Tank is an indigenously designed and developed light tank.
- It has been jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and lead integrator Larsen & Toubro (L&T). • The tank is named after 19th-century military general Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who served under the kingdom of Raja Gulab Singh of Jammu.
- The Zorawar tank is named after 19th-century Dogra general Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who led a military expedition to Kailash-Mansarovar during the Sino-Sikh War in 1841.
- Named in honour of General Zorawar Singh, the tank is slated to undergo extensive trials ahead of a possible deployment in Ladakh, Sikkim, or Kashmir.
- The tank is designed within a record two-year timeframe and features advanced weapons and protection systems, including a 105 mm rifled cannon and composite modular armour.
Features of Zorawar Tank
- The Zorawar tank, deployed by the Indian Army, is a modern and light tank deployed against China’s Type-15 tanks. It has the following features –
- Weight: The Zorawar tank weighs a maximum of 25 tonnes, which enables it to be transported even by air.
- Altitude and artillery role: This tank is capable of attacking even at high altitudes and can play a limited artillery role.
- Operations in various terrains: Zorawar is designed to operate from high altitude areas to island areas.
- Equipped with modern technologies: This tank is equipped with modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, drone integration, high level situational awareness and amphibious operations capability.
- Combination of basic parameters of the tank: It has a combination of the basic parameters of fire, power, mobility and protection.
- Plan to include it in the Indian Army: It is likely to be included in the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all the tests.
- Tank providing versatility to operate in India’s diverse terrains: Zoravar is an Indian light tank design. It is designed with a high power-to-weight ratio, heavy firepower, protection, surveillance and communication capabilities. It is designed to provide the Indian Army with versatility to operate in various terrains against diverse threats and equipment profile of its adversaries.
- Tank equipped with Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS): This tank is built by integrating advanced systems like Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS) and is designed for amphibious operations, which enhances the mobility of troop movements and military action in various terrains.
Strategic Importance of Zoravar Tank for India
- Zoravar tank is an important tactical tool for the Indian Army.
- This tank was developed in response to the strategic needs exposed during the Ladakh standoff.
- It weighs 25 tonnes and this is the first time that a new tank has been designed and tested in such a short time.
- The design of the ‘Zorav’ tank improves maneuverability and operational mobility.
- It is capable of firing at high angles, being transported by air and carrying a limited number of guns.
- The main purpose of this tank is to increase the presence of Indian military power in challenging areas of India and to prevent the attack of enemy countries.
- This tank is an important step towards indigenization and modernization of India’s defense capabilities.