Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), India's state-owned manufacturer of armoured vehicles, is reportedly fast-tracking the development of its "Bharat" light tank.
The company is aiming to finalise the tank's design by the end of 2025 and roll out a functional prototype by late 2026.
This new platform is a customised version of Russia’s 2S25 Sprut-SD, which will be produced in India under license as part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
AVNL is positioning the "Bharat" to compete for a major Indian Army contract for 295 light tanks. This procurement will follow an initial order of 59 "Zorawar" light tanks, which are being developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The "Bharat" tank's design is based on the 18-tonne 2S25 Sprut-SD, a platform originally developed for Russian airborne forces.
The Sprut is well-known for being fully amphibious, meaning it can swim across rivers and water obstacles, and for its powerful 125mm smoothbore gun.
This main weapon provides firepower equivalent to a main battle tank, capable of firing armour-piercing rounds and guided missiles.
AVNL's Indian variant will be specifically tailored for high-altitude operations in regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
It is set to incorporate several indigenous upgrades, including an Active Protection System (APS) to intercept incoming missiles, anti-drone jammers, and an advanced fire control system.
The project aims for over 60% domestic content through a technology transfer agreement, which will help build a robust defence supply chain in Avadi, Tamil Nadu.
The Indian Army’s urgent requirement for a light tank, weighing under 25 tonnes, was highlighted during the 2020 Galwan Valley border standoff.
The Army's heavier T-90 and T-72 tanks faced significant mobility challenges in the narrow mountain passes, while China deployed its own ZTQ-15 (Type 15) light tanks in the region.
In response, India issued a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2021 to procure 354 light tanks, a deal estimated to be worth Rs 17,500 crore.
This procurement is divided into two parts.
The first involves the urgent induction of 59 Zorawar tanks. The remaining 295 units will be acquired under the 'Make-1' procurement procedure, which encourages competition and innovation from India's private and public defence sectors.
The L&T-DRDO "Zorawar" is considered the lead contender and is at an advanced stage of testing. Its prototype was unveiled in July 2024 and has since undergone high-altitude evaluations and successful live-fire trials in September 2024, where it reportedly test-fired the indigenous Nag anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).
While the Zorawar project moves ahead, AVNL’s "Bharat" tank offers a compelling alternative. By using a licensed, battle-proven design, it may have lower development risks and costs.
Its unique amphibious capability also provides tactical flexibility not found in other competitors, potentially making it suitable for varied terrains. AVNL estimates a unit cost of Rs 20-25 crore, presenting a cost-effective domestic solution with future export potential.
