The Zorawar light tank, designed specifically for operations in high-altitude environments, is poised for additional enhancements following comprehensive testing carried out by the Indian Army.
General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of Army Staff, recently shared details regarding the forthcoming developments for the platform. Although the trials, conducted in the demanding landscapes of India’s northern borders, have yielded largely positive results, General Dwivedi underscored the necessity for further refinements based on the Indian Army’s feedback.
These recommendations are informed by the critical data and insights obtained during the trials, with the objective of maximizing the tank’s effectiveness in high-altitude combat situations, particularly in areas such as Ladakh.
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.
“The Zorawar light tank has shown promising results, but there’s always room for refinement,” General Dwivedi commented. “Based on our field evaluations, we’ve identified several areas where the tank can be further optimized to meet our strategic requirements more effectively.”
The enhancements will concentrate on improving the tank’s mobility, firepower, and survivability in demanding high-altitude conditions. The objective is to ensure that the Zorawar is proficient in traversing difficult terrains while also being adaptable enough to confront a variety of threats.
To facilitate these upgrades, the Zorawar light tank will be dispatched to Chennai, recognized as a centre for defence manufacturing in India. General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of the city in the progression of this project, stating, “We anticipate the tank’s return to Chennai shortly for these enhancements.”
Following the completion of the modifications, the Indian Army intends to conduct additional trials in 2025 and 2026. These evaluations will be essential for confirming the enhancements and ensuring the tank’s readiness for integration into the Indian Army. The trials are expected to cover a variety of conditions, including different altitudes and various climatic challenges, to ensure the tank’s adaptability and dependability in multiple operational scenarios.
This iterative development approach underscores the Indian Army’s dedication to deploying a highly capable and tailored light tank specifically engineered to meet the distinct challenges of high-altitude combat. Once fully developed, the Zorawar is anticipated to significantly bolster the operational capabilities of the Indian Army in strategically vital mountainous areas.
At present, the Indian Army has stationed Russian-manufactured T-72 and T-90 tanks in the Ladakh theatre, 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 tank is anticipated to be fully operational by 2027, which will enhance India’s defence 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.
