India’s newly developed light tank, Zorawar, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing several rounds at high altitudes of more than 4,200 meters. The successful firing trials took place in the Ladakh sector, where the tank demonstrated its high mobility and firepower, marking a major step forward for the Indian Army’s capability in mountainous terrain.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, Zorawar is designed to meet the Indian Army’s need for rapid deployment and high mobility in high-altitude areas, especially along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The 25-tonne class armoured fighting vehicle, which has been specially engineered for tough mountain operations, successfully completed its first round of firing trials three months ago at the Mahajan firing range near Bikaner.
The tank, which was developed in just two years under Project Zorawar, has been subjected to comprehensive trials to assess its performance in extreme conditions. According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the firing trials demonstrated the tank’s ability to achieve precise results in high-altitude environments, further affirming its readiness for the operational challenges that the army faces in mountainous terrain.
The airlift capability of Zorawar was also successfully tested, with the Indian Air Force demonstrating its ability to transport the tank rapidly to remote, inaccessible areas. This feature is especially crucial for the quick deployment of forces in difficult terrains that cannot be reached by road or rail. The combination of mobility, firepower, and versatility positions the Zorawar as a critical asset for the Indian Army.
The tank’s performance in these trials is seen as a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities in the region, particularly in countering the growing presence of Chinese light tanks along the LAC. While the Indian Army has deployed heavier Russian-origin T-72 and T-90 tanks in the Ladakh region, their operational effectiveness is limited in the mountainous terrain. Zorawar’s lighter weight and enhanced maneuverability make it more suited to the region’s challenging conditions.
The Zorawar tank has been named after the legendary Dogra general, Zorawar Singh, known for his military prowess in Ladakh and Tibet in the 19th century. The tank is expected to undergo further trials over the next 12 to 18 months, with user trials planned in diverse weather conditions, including summer, winter, and high-altitude conditions. If the trials are successful, the Zorawar light tank is expected to be inducted into service by 2027.
The Indian Army’s goal of acquiring 354 Zorawar tanks is part of a larger effort to modernize its defense capabilities, with an estimated cost of ₹17,500 crore. The induction of the Zorawar will provide a significant edge in the strategic and military balance along the LAC, strengthening India’s posture in the region and enhancing its defense capabilities in high-altitude areas.
Sources By Agencies