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Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India

Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India jointly developed by L&T and DRDO, boasting advanced features such as AI, surveillance drones, and an active protection system.
authorImageNigam Sharma9 Jul, 2024
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Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India

Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India: Indian private firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has completed the initial trials of the indigenous light tank named 'Zorawar.' This tank, developed in less than 24 months from the date of sanction, has successfully undergone track trials at L&T’s heavy engineering plant in Hazira, Gujarat, as per defence sources.

Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India

India has introduced the Zorawar light battle tank, marking a major step in its defense capabilities. Created by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Zorawar tank is built for quick deployment and use in high-altitude areas. Weighing 25 tonnes, this tank can move through water and is equipped with advanced technology like artificial intelligence, surveillance drones, and an active protection system. Named after the famous 19th-century General Zorawar Singh, the tank has passed initial tests and will soon undergo further trials in desert and high-altitude regions. With its improved mobility and firepower, the Zorawar tank aims to boost India’s defense along its mountainous borders, especially against Chinese armored forces.
According to sources the initial track trials of the Zorawar tank revealed areas for potential upgrades, which have since been implemented. The next phase involves desert trials coordinated with the Army, followed by tests in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh to ensure the tank's operability in such terrains and extreme winters. If all goes according to plan, the Indian Army could induct the Zorawar tanks as early as 2027.

What is Project Zorawar?

The Zorawar tank is a key component of the Army's Project Zorawar, aimed at procuring about 350 light tanks with a maximum weight of 25 tonnes, including a 10 percent margin. These tanks are expected to have the same firepower as regular tanks and will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), tactical surveillance drones, loitering munitions, and an active protection system. Designed for rapid deployment and movement in high-altitude areas, these amphibious tanks will counter the Chinese deployment of similar armored units along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Development and Approval of Project Zorawar

L&T had proposed a joint development with DRDO in 2021 to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for a light tank. This development phase is noted to be the fastest for such a product in India. The Indian government gave in-principle approval for the indigenous design and development of light tanks for mountain warfare in March 2022.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities of Zorawar

The Zorawar tank, named after the 19th-century general Zorawar Singh, is designed for enhanced mobility and additional firepower in mountainous terrains. The tank’s physical dimensions ensure it can be transported by air, road, or water. It is all-weather capable, targeting tanks, armored vehicles, UAVs, and precision-guided munitions. The tank is also equipped with anti-aircraft and ground-role weapons, advanced multipurpose smart munitions, and gun tube-launched anti-tank guided missiles. Additional features include a long-range enemy target identification system, thermal night fighting capability, and stealth features to suppress visual, audio, thermal, and electromagnetic signatures.

Historical Context and Future Prospects of Project Zorawar

India has a history of deploying light tanks effectively in various battles, including the Stuart tanks in World War II and the AMX-13 and PT-76 tanks in later conflicts. The Zorawar light battle tank, weighing 25 tonnes, will be able to navigate steep mountains and cross water bodies more efficiently than its heavier predecessors like the T-72 and T-90 tanks. The Zorawar tank, powered by an American-made Cummins 750 hp engine, is expected to undergo further trials in desert and high-altitude areas. The tank will be produced in phases, with 59 units manufactured by DRDO and L&T, while the remaining 295 will be produced under the Centre’s ‘Make-1’ category.

Strategic Importance of Project Zorawar

The development of the Zorawar tank is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s deployment of similar tanks along the LAC. Since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, the Indian Army has taken several measures to enhance its combat capabilities in high-altitude regions, including the deployment of M-777 ultralight howitzers, K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Pinaka rocket systems, and Dhanush gun systems. The Indian and Chinese militaries remain in a standoff since May 2020, and India maintains that peace in the border areas is essential for normalizing bilateral ties. The Zorawar tank, with its advanced capabilities and rapid deployment potential, is a significant addition to India’s defense arsenal in maintaining strategic balance along the LAC.

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Zorawar Light Battle Tank Launched By India FAQs

Q: What is the Zorawar light battle tank?

A: The Zorawar is an indigenous light battle tank developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed for rapid deployment and effective operation in high-altitude areas.

Q: Who developed the Zorawar light battle tank?

A: The Zorawar light battle tank was developed by Indian private firm L&T in collaboration with DRDO.

Q: How long did it take to develop the Zorawar tank?

A: The Zorawar tank was developed in less than 24 months from the date of sanction.

Q: Where were the initial trials of the Zorawar tank conducted?

A: The initial trials of the Zorawar tank were conducted at L&T’s heavy engineering plant in Hazira, Gujarat.

Q: What are the unique features of the Zorawar tank?

A: The Zorawar tank features advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, tactical surveillance drones, loitering munitions, and an active protection system. It is also amphibious and designed for all-weather operations.
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