Rear Engine, Arjun DNA: Zorawar Light Tank's Design Secrets Revealed

India's upcoming Zorawar light tank, a collaborative project by Larsen & Toubro and DRDO, is creating a buzz with its unique blend of proven design elements and homegrown innovations.

A recent peek into the tank's structure unveiled a rear-engine layout, a popular choice in contemporary tank designs known for improved crew safety, weight balance, and maneuverability.

Mirroring the Arjun Main Battle Tank's design, the Zorawar features a nose fuel tank accessible through the glacis plate. This design commonality indicates a synergy between the two projects, highlighting the strategic use of existing technologies.

DRDO's ARDE is working to replace imported components with indigenous ones, including the turret and gun. Tenders have been issued for forging a 105mm gun barrel, and an Expression of Interest has been released for developing a 105mm Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discardable Sabot (FSAPDS) round.

Equipped with a 105mm gun, APFSDS ammunition, a new turret, and other advanced systems, the Zorawar promises to be a potent addition to the Indian Army's capabilities.

However, the ongoing debate about the ideal mix of light and medium tanks for the Army's 354 tank requirement raises questions about the necessity of such a sophisticated and costly light tank.

While the Zorawar boasts advantages in mobility and agility, it's crucial to ensure its development aligns with the Army's long-term modernization plans. By prioritizing progressive indigenization and cost-effective solutions, the Indian Army can optimize the benefits of the Zorawar while fulfilling its evolving operational needs.

 

[sanket]

First Engine for Zorawar Tank with 1000 Hp should b developed by 2027 , second some Features are being taken from Arjun Tank & recently it was news about FRCV that it want phorein Tech Good to see Arjun tank ( Nose Fuel Tank which is access through port dug inside the glacis plate ) tech being taken for zoravar with developing Indigenous Turret & Guns will b cost effective solutions

 

[Ankit]

What a joke... What indiginious in this tank.. import and assembel and declair indiginious....

 

[Kira]

What a joke... What indiginious in this tank.. import and assembel and declair indiginious....

Which makes perfect sense as there is no need to reinvent the whole wheel which will take many years if not decades.
Both IA and DRDO/industry went the right way(for once lol) by agreeing on a relatively simple and light design and procuring many off the shelf components and systems as they are readily available and can be produced and maintained here indigenously over time.Today India has robust trade and strategic ties with the West,and thus can intevize Western defence companies and policy makers to set up shop here and invest.After all India can think of sanctions all day long,but that won't produce either equipment on time or help the country by discouraging FDI in defence.
Finally,any sophisticated domestic defence project like a tank,ship or aircraft will have significant foreign components,so be it and move forward that way.
PS - I understand the need for higher domestic components like a gun or turret for Zorawar,but since the number is low around 400 or so total tanks,IA can simply arrange for local production and spares supply by local companies and call it a day.
In contrast,the future T-72 or even T-90 replacements would be needed in their thousands,about 3000 or so units,so I can understand that project needs to be much more indigenous and have higher quantity of local components.