Trials of the indigenously-developed Zorawar light tank are underway in high-altitude areas in Ladakh. The firing has been successful and trials are expected to be completed by the end of this month.
According to sources, Zorawar’s trials are going on in Nyoma in Ladakh. During the trials, the light tank was tested on the criteria of its firepower, mobility and protection. After the completion of these trials, Zorawar will be handed over to the Indian Army for user trials next year, sources said.
The light tank, a part of a 59-tank order to DRDO and its private sector development and production partner, addresses the Army’s need to enhance mobility and manoeuvring capabilities in the Ladakh sector.
Facing a similar deployment of Chinese light tanks in large numbers, the Army has sought to develop comparable capabilities, a project recently approved by the Defence Acquisition Council.
Collaborating with L&T under the Make in India initiative, DRDO is working on building a 25-tonne light tank capable of swift movement in high mountainous terrain. One of the crucial features in consideration is an active protection system designed to shield combat vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles.
The Army is also aiming for Zorawar to be amphibious, allowing deployment in riverine regions, including the Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh, where the Indian forces have countered Chinese light tanks.
