Five Private Giants Vie For Indian Army's Light Tank Contract, L&T Emerges as Frontrunner with Zorawar Tank

The Indian Army’s quest to enhance its armoured warfare capabilities in high-altitude terrain has reached a pivotal stage, with five major domestic companies submitting proposals for a landmark light tank contract.

This initiative marks a significant move towards modernising the force's mobility and firepower, particularly along India's mountainous northern borders.

On July 14, bids were officially received from leading private sector firms including Bharat Forge, Tata, and Mahindra, alongside the Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) and engineering conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The tender seeks to procure a new fleet of light tanks specifically designed to operate in the rugged environments of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where agility and lower weight are critical for effective deployment and rapid movement.

The need for such a platform was acutely felt during the 2020 border stand-offs, where the army's heavier tanks like the T-72 and T-90 faced operational limitations.

Central to this procurement process is the 'Zorawar' light tank, a platform indigenously developed by Larsen & Toubro in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Named after the 19th-century general Zorawar Singh Kahlon, who was renowned for his military campaigns in the Himalayas, the 25-tonne tank is equipped with a 105mm main gun and advanced systems like drone integration and artificial intelligence.

Reports indicate that L&T is the only company to have submitted a full commercial bid, placing it in a leading position to secure the contract.

The project is among the most substantial acquisitions for India's land forces, with an estimated budget of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 crore for a total of 354 tanks.

These vehicles are not intended to replace existing main battle tanks but to provide a specialised capability for mountain warfare, addressing a critical gap in the army's operational readiness.

To meet urgent operational requirements, the Ministry of Defence is expected to place an initial fast-track order for 59 Zorawar tanks from L&T.

This first batch will be deployed to reinforce armoured units stationed along the northern frontiers, providing a swift boost to the army's ability to counter emerging security threats in the region.

This entire initiative is a cornerstone of the government's 'Make in India' policy aimed at achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. By prioritising a domestically designed and manufactured solution, India aims to build a resilient supply chain, facilitate rapid customisation for its unique military needs, and foster the growth of its indigenous defence industry.

The successful induction of the Zorawar tank will represent a major milestone in India's journey towards creating modern, homegrown solutions for its armed forces.

 

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[Kira]

To be sure, they can easily proceed with a single design that meets the requirements of the tender, like what the Zorawar is currently doing, as the total order is only for 350-400 or so light tanks. Involving multiple vendors unnecessarily drags the development and production timelines, as well as increasing the trial duration and budgets for everybody. It's okay for much larger requirements, such as the future MBT, IFV, or towed howitzer programs, as larger requirements may be split into orders for two vendors, but it should be avoided for smaller and limited-run programs like the light tank.

 

[tlsmani]

Why they order odd nos.like 59 etc.Why not 60.divide between 2 bidders @ 30 each so that delivery & quality is maintained

 

[Mc Addy]

Please give all some work so all can grow and get up to speed incase more is needed.this is defence , not Milton kettel and casserole baniya matter.

 

[Immortal Soul]

Zorawar program is going perfectly fine, but Arjun Mk-1A MBT is heavily delayed. I hope indigenous engines are made early and also I expect any progress in FICV and FRCV programs.
JAI HIND JAI BHARAT

 

[Sandeep]

While the first regiment will be an emergency procurement so we can get some tanks into service very quickly by manufacturing the 105mm John cockrill turret the main and large order should be an indigenous one.

We need to make sure that we 100% indigenously, design, develop and manufacture a tank with the latest technology, equipment and weapons to give us an advantage.