India unveils light tank ‘Zorawar’; expected to be inducted into Indian Army by 2027, says DRDO chief Kamat

Hajira (Gujarat), July 6

In a major boost to Indian forces deployed opposite China in Ladakh, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are at an advanced stage of trials of the indigenous Light Tank ‘Zorawar’.

DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat today reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat. He said it is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027 after all trials.

Developed in a record time of two years for high altitude areas of Ladakh, the tank is testimony to Indian progress in indigenous manufacturing.

DRDO and L&T have integrated unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) in loitering munitions in the tank learning lessons from the Russia and Ukraine conflict.

Light Tank ‘Zorawar’ with 25 tonnes in weight and it is the first time, a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.

The DRDO chief said, “It is indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud, and it is indeed an example. In a short period of two to two-and-a-half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype. And now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials.”

Fifty-nine of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially and it will be a front runner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.

The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft as the tank is light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.

The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12 to 18 months and be ready for induction.

Even though the first ammunition is coming from Belgium, DRDO is ready to develop the ammunition indigenously. ()