The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone in bolstering India's defence capabilities with the successful testing of the indigenously developed Zorawar Light Tank and the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM).
These achievements underscore India's growing prowess in growing capabilities in defence research and manufacturing.
On September 13th, the Zorawar Light Tank underwent preliminary automotive trials in challenging desert terrain. Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO unit, in partnership with Larsen & Toubro Ltd., the tank exceeded expectations in its initial firing tests, demonstrating high accuracy and maneuverability.
This lightweight tank is specifically designed for deployment in high-altitude areas, a crucial requirement for India's border security. Notably, the project involved contributions from numerous Indian industries, including MSMEs, highlighting the strength of the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
In a parallel development, the DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted two consecutive flight tests of the VLSRSAM on September 12th and 13th from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha.
The missile successfully intercepted high-speed aerial targets simulating sea-skimming threats at very low altitudes, demonstrating its precision and capability to neutralize diverse aerial threats.
These tests validated recent upgrades to the missile system, reinforcing its reliability and effectiveness in protecting naval assets.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, Indian Army, Indian Navy, and industry partners for these successful trials. He emphasized that these achievements will provide a significant technological boost to the armed forces.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the teams involved.
The Zorawar Light Tank is expected to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, providing a much-needed capability for high-altitude warfare. Its development aligns with the Indian Army's long-held requirement for a light tank capable of operating in mountainous terrain.
The VLSRSAM, with its demonstrated ability to counter diverse aerial threats, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's air defence capabilities.
