IFV-Inspired Design of Indian Light Tank Zorawar Challenges Compact MBT Norms, Prioritizing Internal Space and Battlefield Versatility

India's domestically developed Zorawar light tank is turning heads with its unique design philosophy. According to a Japanese defence analyst, the 25-ton Zorawar breaks away from the trend of compact and low-profile Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), prioritizing internal space and battlefield versatility.

Compared to the Indian Army's T-90S MBT, which weighs in at 46.5 tons, the Zorawar exhibits some intriguing dimensional differences:

• Length: The Zorawar is roughly 20 cm longer than the T-90S, even when excluding the barrel.
• Width: The Zorawar is noticeably narrower, by 50 to 60 cm, potentially enhancing its maneuverability in confined spaces.
• Height: Standing about 40 cm taller than the T-90S, the Zorawar presents a higher profile, which could impact its visibility on the battlefield.

These dimensional contrasts highlight the differing operational priorities between the two tanks. While modern MBTs like the T-90S prioritize a low profile and compact design to minimize their target signature, this often comes at the expense of crew comfort and internal volume.

The Zorawar, however, appears to prioritize internal space, a characteristic more commonly associated with Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). This design choice suggests a focus on accommodating more equipment and potentially even carrying additional troops, enhancing its versatility.

The Zorawar's lightweight design and dimensional characteristics are tailored for specific battlefield roles, including high-altitude operations and rapid deployment. Its 105mm gun provides substantial firepower, comparable to other light tanks, allowing it to engage a variety of threats while maintaining strategic mobility.

By blending features of IFVs and MBTs, the Zorawar represents a novel approach to light tank design. Its higher profile and larger internal volume reflect a shift towards accommodating diverse operational scenarios, particularly in regions where traditional MBTs may face mobility and logistical challenges.

This design philosophy positions the Zorawar as a versatile platform, complementing the Indian Army's existing armoured fleet and providing a valuable asset for a wider range of operational environments.

 

[Puneet]

Indians are innovative but the weak point presently is manufacturing.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

main threat to tanks today are ATGM, drones and mines, not enemy tanks. Light tanks are not meant to fight enemy tanks, so designing them should keep these things in mind.

 

[Mango_Indian]

This is built on the chassis of K9 Hanhwa Techwin howitzer minus one set of wheels.
Any wonder that the dimensions match the T-90?.

Now notice clearly that the #actual# weight is not mentioned anywhere, only the design 25T weight is bandied around...because the weight will be closer to 40 tons. All on an underpowered 760hp engine.

FUN times are going to start again...

 

[PKPRS]

Japanese appreciate this. hope army also appreciate the effort and order in Thousands.

 

[desigandu]

Bharat should think about fielding say a 10Ton expendable autonomous, hybrid propulsion tank, that can be made at scale and managed like a tank swarm, but backup logistics managed in hubs for refueling and rearming, monitored and managed real time with its own drone swarms…

The future is autonomous and unmanned systems in large numbers, supplemented by humans as needed…we need to figure the scale, cost, and industrial capacity to build and deploy rapidly to overwhelm the enemy while also defending…numbers have its own advantages…

 

[Sridhar]

This is built on the chassis of K9 Hanhwa Techwin howitzer minus one set of wheels.
Any wonder that the dimensions match the T-90?.

Now notice clearly that the #actual# weight is not mentioned anywhere, only the design 25T weight is bandied around...because the weight will be closer to 40 tons. All on an underpowered 760hp engine.

FUN times are going to start again...

If the weight is around 40 tonnes, then the tank might as well be fitted with a 120 or 125 mm main gun, not a 105 mm gun.The actual weight of the Hanwa is between 46 to 50 tonnes, depending on the variants.Not sure where you got this information about the Zorawar tank chassis being based on the Hanwa howitzer?

 

[Kira]

I believe since this is a light tank, there is much less armor overall, so it has a higher volume of free space inside the tank itself. Also, a notable point is that even though a tank gun only seems smaller and slender from the outside, it takes up huge space inside, so utilizing a smaller 105mm gun in place of a typical 120/125mm also saved a lot of space.

 

[Anant]

Japanese appreciate this. hope army also appreciate the effort and order in Thousands.

I'd prefer they order as many as are needed and then multiply that order by 50-100%. There are other items that are needed, and the rest of the money should be spent there.

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

main threat to tanks today are ATGM, drones and mines, not enemy tanks. Light tanks are not meant to fight enemy tanks, so designing them should keep these things in mind.

Even heavy tanks have the same enemies. The reality is that no tank can survive ATGMs & drones. Mines are survivable at the expense of the tank being wasted (the tank track will be cut & the tank will be stopped).