India's indigenously developed Light Battle Tank (LBT), named "Zorawar", is gearing up for extensive Army trials in 2025. This marks a crucial step in India's modernization of its armored forces, specifically for deployments in challenging high-altitude regions like Ladakh.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Zorawar represents a significant stride towards India's self-reliance in defence technology.
Designed to excel in the demanding terrains of the Himalayas, where altitudes can exceed 4,000 meters and the landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and extreme weather conditions, the Zorawar prioritizes agility and maneuverability.
Its compact design and lighter weight compared to conventional tanks enable it to navigate narrow mountain passes, steep gradients, and rocky surfaces that would hinder heavier vehicles.
The Indian Army will conduct rigorous trials in 2025, evaluating the Zorawar's performance across diverse terrains and weather conditions. These trials will assess its maneuverability, firepower, survivability, and operational effectiveness in extreme environments, particularly in the context of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and other high-altitude areas like the Rann of Kutch.
This focus on light tanks comes as no surprise, given the operational advantages they offer in specific terrains. Indian tanks, including the Zorawar, are designed for greater mobility and higher accuracy firepower compared to tanks like the Chinese Type 15 deployed on the Ladakh border. The Zorawar's weight is capped at 25 tonnes to ensure optimal mobility at high altitudes.
Beyond the Zorawar, the Army is also looking towards the future. Lt Gen Vivek Kashyap, director general of Armoured Corps, announced plans to develop a futuristic light tank with the Indian industry taking the lead. This project, partially funded by the Army, will involve a competitive process between two industry partners developing their own variants based on Army requirements.
