State-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) has partnered with Russian defence firms Rosoboronexport (ROE) and High Precision Systems (HPC) to propose a specially modified version of the 2S25 Sprut-SD light tank for the Indian Army.
This collaboration, announced in August 2024, aims to compete in India's procurement process for 295 new light tanks specifically designed for high-altitude warfare.
The Indian Army's quest for light tanks is proceeding under the "Make-I" category, emphasizing indigenous development and manufacturing.
AVNL's Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai, will lead the effort to tailor the Russian design to meet India's unique operational requirements in mountainous border regions, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
This puts the AVNL-Russia offering in direct competition with the domestically developed Zorawar light tank, a joint project by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Originally designed for Russia's airborne forces by the Volgograd Tractor Plant, the 2S25 Sprut-SD is technically a self-propelled anti-tank gun. It boasts a powerful 125mm smoothbore gun, similar in calibre to the main armament of India's T-90 main battle tanks, but mounted on a much lighter 18-tonne chassis.
The base model features amphibious capabilities, can be dropped by parachute, and is even capable of firing its main gun while floating. However, the Indian Army requires enhancements for sustained high-altitude operations, better armour protection, and modern electronic systems, necessitating significant modifications to the original Russian design.
The joint venture aims to blend Russia's established light tank technology, especially its gun system and amphibious features, with Indian-made components to increase the indigenous content, aligning with the government's #AatmanirbharBharat (self-reliant India) policy. AVNL and another Indian public sector unit, India Optel Limited (IOL), will hold a majority stake, ensuring Indian control over the project.
While the potent 125mm gun – capable of firing various ammunition types including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) like the 9M119 Svir – is expected to be retained, upgrades are anticipated in areas like the fire control system, electronics, and armour to defend against contemporary threats such as drones and advanced anti-tank weaponry.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formally invited bids through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for these light tanks. HVF/AVNL is among the entities eligible to compete, provided they meet the technical and financial requirements.
To support its bid, HVF is already seeking suppliers for critical subsystems needed for the customized Sprut, including engine management units, auxiliary power units (APUs), integrated loitering munitions or drones, and advanced suspension systems crucial for performance and mobility in the thin air and rugged terrain of high-altitude environments.
The planned inclusion of drones and loitering munitions indicates an effort to match the advanced capabilities being integrated into modern armoured vehicles. The competing Zorawar light tank, for example, is designed with integrated surveillance drones and potentially an Active Protection System (APS) to counter incoming projectiles.
The base Sprut-SD's armour, reportedly sufficient only against heavy machine gun fire (12.7mm rounds), is a point of concern regarding battlefield survivability, suggesting significant upgrades will be necessary. Modifications to the suspension are also vital, as the original BMD-3 chassis-based design has faced criticism regarding stability when firing its large 125mm gun, particularly on uneven ground.
The urgency for these light tanks stems from operational gaps highlighted during the 2020 border standoff with China in the Galwan Valley region, where the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) deployed its own Type 15 light tanks suited for mountain warfare.
Initially, India considered an emergency off-the-shelf purchase, potentially including the latest Sprut-SDM1 variant, but later opted for indigenous development under the Make-I rules.
The DRDO-L&T Zorawar, officially revealed in July 2024, has already passed initial milestones, securing a preliminary order for 59 units. Trials for the Zorawar are currently underway in both desert and high-altitude conditions.
The competition for the remaining 295 tanks remains open.
The Zorawar weighs around 25 tonnes and is equipped with a 105mm main gun (sourced from John Cockerill). It emphasizes modular design, artificial intelligence integration, and a high degree of indigenous content, powered by a 760 hp Cummins engine delivering a power-to-weight ratio of about 30 hp/tonne.
In contrast, the lighter 18-tonne Sprut-SD, with its 510 hp engine, offers around 27 hp/tonne but benefits from its amphibious nature and potentially easier rapid deployment. However, critics point to the Sprut's comparatively lighter armour and potentially older base design as disadvantages against the purpose-built Zorawar, which incorporates modern survivability features like APS from the start.
Other Indian companies like Kalyani Group, Tata Advanced Systems, and Mahindra Defence Systems, potentially partnered with foreign manufacturers, may also contend for this significant defence contract.
