Zorawar: All you need to know about DRDO's high-altitude battle tank for ops against China

New Delhi: In a major advancement for India’s defence capabilities, the DRDO and L&T have successfully completed the initial internal trials of the Zorawar tank. Developed and rolled out in less than 24 months, the tank has undergone its first track trials at L&T’s heavy engineering plant in Hazira, Gujarat. Following these trials, upgrades were suggested and implemented to enhance its performance. The tank is set to proceed to desert trials, followed by high-altitude trials in Ladakh. These trials are crucial to test its capability to operate in extreme terrains and harsh winter conditions. If all trials are successful, the Zorawar could be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027.

All you need to know about the Zorawar tank

Part of the Army’s Project Zorawar, this tank aims to deploy indigenous light tanks for quicker and more efficient movement in high-altitude areas. The Zorawar tank is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the Indian Army in the Eastern Ladakh region, responding to the Chinese deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military expeditions in Ladakh and Western Tibet, the Zorawar tank weighs 25 tons. It is capable of navigating steep mountain climbs and crossing rivers more easily than its heavier predecessors, such as the T-72 and T-90 tanks. Developed in record time, its design and testing were completed in just two years.

Zorawar's design and capabilities

The Zorawar tank’s light weight and amphibious capabilities make it ideal for high-altitude operations. According to DRDO chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat, the Zorawar combines firepower, mobility, and protection while maintaining a manageable weight. Rajesh Kumar, Director of DRDO’s tank lab, emphasized the optimization of these parameters to ensure the tank performs effectively in its intended role.

#WATCH | Visuals of light tank Zorawar developed jointly by DRDO and Larsen and Toubro.

The tank project being developed for the Indian Army was reviewed by DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamath in Hazira, Gujarat today. pic.twitter.com/woh666qLCD

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2024

The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with plans to potentially procure a total of 354 light tanks. These tanks will play a crucial role in countering China’s existing fleet of lightweight mountain tanks, such as the Type 15, which have a significant advantage in the high altitudes of Ladakh.

Key features that makes Zorawar unique

• Main Gun: 105mm or higher caliber main gun capable of firing anti-tank guided missiles.
• Armor: Modular explosive reactive armor and an active protection system for enhanced survivability.
• Mobility: Power-to-weight ratio of at least 30 hp/ton for improved mobility.
• Integration: Integrated with drones and battle management systems for enhanced situational awareness.

Why is Zorawar significant in countering China? 

The induction of the Zorawar light tank will significantly enhance the Indian Army’s ability to rapidly deploy and maneuver in high-altitude regions, such as Ladakh. Its combination of mobility, firepower, and advanced systems will bolster India’s military posture against China in these strategically important areas.

The Zorawar light tank is expected to be a game-changer for the Indian Army, providing a critical capability for operations in high-altitude regions.