India's Indigenous Zorawar Light Tank Successfully Completes First Phase Field Firing Trials

New Delhi, India- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of the first phase of developmental field firing trials for India’s indigenous Light Tank, Zorawar. Conducted on September 13, 2024, the trials were hailed as a step forward in India’s defence of self-reliance. The tests carried out in the desert terrain, demonstrated the tank’s exceptional performance and accuracy, meeting all required objectives.  

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Defence, Guwahati, stated, "DRDO successfully conducted developmental field trials of Indian Light Tank, Zorawar. The collaboration with Indian industry aids in the growth of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem." The tank is designed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO unit, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), with multiple Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributing various sub-systems.  

Performance and Capability: Zorawar's Key Features  

The Light Tank Zorawar, weighing 25 tonnes, has been developed to operate effectively in high-altitude areas, making it versatile for deployment in challenging terrains such as mountain valleys. The tank’s firing capabilities were tested rigorously during the trials, and it achieved the desired accuracy on designated targets, as confirmed by a press release from the Ministry of Defence.  

The platform is particularly suited for India’s mountainous border regions, where heavier conventional tanks may face operational challenges. "Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on September 13, 2024, successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar, a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas," read the statement from the Ministry of Defence. The successful trials underline the indigenous strength of Indian defence manufacturing, with Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh describing it as a "significant milestone" in the country's journey towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The Zorawar tank has been specifically designed to incorporate advanced technologies learned from global conflicts, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. It includes unique features like Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) and loitering munitions, making it a highly modern and efficient platform.  

Furthermore, Zorawar’s design allows for logistical flexibility, with two tanks being transportable by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft, making rapid deployment possible in remote or high-altitude areas. Initially, 59 Zorawar tanks will be supplied to the Indian Army.  

Challenges of High-Altitude Operations  

Deploying military platforms in high-altitude regions like Ladakh, Siachen, and the Galwan Valley has always posed significant challenges. Conventional military assets, such as Main Battle Tanks (MBT), infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), and self-propelled artillery, often struggle in these environments due to factors such as rarefied air and low oxygen levels. This affects the power generation required for effective manoeuvrability, adding further complications to logistics.  

India’s experience with the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers deployed in Ladakh highlighted the need for special modifications to make such platforms function effectively in extreme altitudes. Similarly, during the skirmishes with China in 2020-2021, India found that its conventional tanks were at a disadvantage against the Chinese Type 15 tanks, which were specifically designed for high-altitude warfare.

The need for light tanks in high-altitude areas was underscored during the 2020-2021 skirmishes with China in the Galwan Valley. The Indian Army observed the deployment of China’s Type 15 tanks, which possess significant advantages in such environments. The development of Zorawar is a direct response to this strategic requirement, ensuring that India’s armed forces are not outmatched in high-altitude scenarios.  

Strengthening India's Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem  

Zorawar’s development represents a major leap in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, with contributions from multiple domestic industries, including MSMEs. The collaboration between DRDO, L&T, and various industry stakeholders highlights the growing strength of India’s indigenous manufacturing ecosystem.  

Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for the successful trials, emphasizing that it marks a crucial step in India's goal of achieving self-reliance in defence technologies. The Zorawar tank, once fully operational, will provide a strategic edge in mountainous and high-altitude theatres, which are critical in the current geopolitical landscape.