India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has recently presented the latest trials of the Zorawar light tank, a combat platform engineered for operations in high-altitude environments.
Video footage released by the Indian Ministry of Defence captures the Zorawar participating in live-fire exercises at altitudes over 4,200 meters, showcasing its precision in firing and agility in navigating some of the most demanding environmental conditions. The trials were conducted in the Ladakh region, a strategically significant area characterized by enduring territorial disputes between India and China.
The Indian Army has recognized the necessity for 354 units of these 25-tonne light tanks to improve its operational effectiveness in mountainous environments. Fully developed in India, the Zorawar marks a notable shift from the heavier armoured vehicles that have been utilized by the country’s ground forces, which have historically depended on main battle tanks designed for deployment in flat plains and desert terrains.
The Zorawar prototype was finalized at L&T’s facility in July, representing a significant developmental achievement reached within a span of two years. This tank is anticipated to be fully operational by 2027, which will enhance India’s defense capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and better prepare the Indian Army to confront the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA has already deployed modern light tanks in the region, which are characterized by their high power-to-weight ratios, agility, and effective performance in high-altitude conditions.
At present, the Indian Army has stationed numerous Russian-manufactured T-72 and T-90 tanks in the Ladakh theater, however their operational performance is hindered by the thin air, steep slopes, and challenging terrain typical of high-altitude regions. Originally designed for flat terrain and desert operations, the T-72s and T-90s lack the necessary adaptability to thrive in the demanding mountain environment.
The Zorawar is a light tank created for the Indian Army, designed and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) serving as the development and production partner.
The Zorawar features a high power-to-weight ratio and is equipped with significant firepower, protection, surveillance, and communication capabilities. Its primary role is to offer versatility for conducting operations across different terrains while addressing a range of threats and the equipment profiles of opposing forces.
