70 km/h (43 mph) 35–40 km/h (22–25 mph) cross country[11]
The Zorawar is an Indian light tank design. It is designed to have a high power-to-weight ratio along with substantial firepower, protection, surveillance and communication capabilities. The Zorawar was designed to provide the Indian Army with the versatility to execute operations in varying terrain against diverse threats and equipment profiles of its adversaries.[12]
A Cockerill 105 mm HP Gun made by Belgian company John Cockerill
Light tanks received renewed focus and interest in the late 2010s and early 2020s, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of the Ladakh region, it is very difficult to operate main battle tanks like the T-72, T-90, Arjun Mk1 and Arjun Mk2, which were neither built nor equipped to handle the harsh conditions.[14]
Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector.[16] The K9 Vajraself propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions[17] had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes.[18]
The Indian Army found out that the Chinese side had deployed Type 15 tanks, which have significant advantages over the assets the Indian Army was fielding, at the extreme heights of the Galwan valley.[19][20]
Initially, the Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia.[24] The Army finalised the general staff quality requirements and approached the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON).[25][26]
The project, which has already received in-principle approval, is planned to be procured under the 'Make-I' acquisition category of the Defense Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020, in line with the "Make in India" initiative.[27] The project cost that was sanctioned stood at Rs. 234.5 crore.[28]
In September 2022, it was confirmed that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been selected as the development partner of this homegrown "mountain tank" which is to be rolled out by 2023.[29]
The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022,[30] and as per April 2023 reports, the Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank.[31] The Russo-Ukrainian War has reportedly caused supply chain chokepoints for defense components, specifically electrical, electronic, and engine components, delaying projects, according to an August 2023 report by The New Indian Express.[32]
India initially decided to use German MTU engines for Zorawar tank, but due to repeated delays the Cummins 750 hp engine will be used for prototypes.[34] Recent reports suggest Rolls-Royce has delivered MTU 8V199 engine for the light tank project. The DRDO is also working on a project to develop an indigenous engine for production.[35][36]
Trials
Zorawar LT firing main gun during preliminary automotive trials
In January 2024, developmental trials of the tank prototypes began in Hazira, Gujarat, at the L&T facility where the prototypes were built. It is expected that the prototypes will be handed over to the Army by April 2024.[37] By July 2024, the track trials were completed and certain design changes were made as per suggestions. The tank will now go for desert trials with the Army, followed by high-altitude trials in Ladakh. As per the current timeline, the tank will be inducted by 2027.[38][39]
On September 13, 2024, DRDO successfully completed the Zorawar LT's preliminary automotive trials at Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner.[40] In the desert terrain during the field trials, the light tank performed exceptionally well, effectively achieving all of the targeted goals. During the first phase, the tank met the necessary accuracy on pre-designated targets after undergoing a thorough evaluation of its firing performance.[41] According to the sources, the most important factor for a tank is precision, also known as FRHP (First Round Hit Probability) in technical parlance because it is necessary to hit the adversary first in modern warfare.[42][43]
As of October 2024, the next trials shall include missile firing. The developmental trials would be concluded by January 2025 after which the tank will be handed over to the Army for user trials. The user trials will take 12 to 18 months as the Army will test the tank's performance in summer, winter and high-altitude conditions. DRDO maintains that the tank will be inducted by 2027.[44]
As per a report on 13 November 2024, user trials by the Army will start in 2025.[45]
Orders
An initial order for 59 tanks has been placed, which will be produced by Larsen and Toubro. The Indian Army will also be holding a competition for buying 295 light tanks, in which the Zorawar tank will take part in.[37][20] According to reports that emerged in May 2024, Bharat Forge is also developing a light tank under 25 tonnes to compete with L&T's Zorawar Tank in the Army's light tank programme.[46]
The purchase for a total of 354 tanks is expected to cost ₹17,500 crore (US$2.1 billion). The first batch of 59 batch is "reserved" for DRDO which includes L&T as the lead systems integrator. The rest of 295 tanks will be ordered and manufactured under Make-1 government funded category after a tendering process which will include L&T.[47]
As per a report in November 2024, the user trials by the Army in 2025 is to be followed by selection of 2 private companies for their prototype development based on Zorawar under the Futuristic Light Tank programme. Eventually, one of the designs wil be selected for mass production after competitive trials.[45]
^"Battlefield Protection System"(PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation. Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
