Today DRDO began testing its new light battle tank, Zorawar, in Hazira, Gujarat. This tank has been jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to meet the Indian Army's specific requirements in the challenging terrain of the eastern Ladakh sector, where tensions with China remain high.
The Zorawar is a 25-ton amphibious tank designed for agility and rapid deployment in mountainous regions and across water bodies. It is significantly lighter than its predecessors, the T-72 and T-90 tanks, making it better suited to the steep climbs and river crossings common in Ladakh.
The tank incorporates lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, notably integrating UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and loitering munitions to enhance its combat capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat confirmed that extensive user trials, including winter and high-altitude tests, will be conducted over the next year to year and a half before the tank is expected to be ready for acquisition by 2027.
The Indian Army has already placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to acquire a total of 295 in the future. This move is seen as a response to China's deployment of similar light tanks along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Zorawar is equipped with an active protection system to defend against anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles. Its amphibious capabilities will also enable deployment in riverine areas like the Pangong Tso Lake. The tank is named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military campaigns in Ladakh and Western Tibet.
