In a remarkable advancement for Indian forces posted near the China border in Ladakh, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested its indigenously developed Light Tank Zorawar. This milestone has been achieved in collaboration with private sector firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and marks the project's final stages of testing.

DRDO Chief Dr. Samir V. Kamat conducted a comprehensive review of the Zorawar tank's progress at the L&T plant in Hajira, Gujarat. According to Dr. Kamat, the Zorawar tank is anticipated to be commissioned into the Indian Army by 2027, following the completion of all necessary and related trials.

Developed within an impressive two-year timeframe specifically for high-altitude regions like Ladakh, the Zorawar tank showcases India's advancements in indigenous manufacturing. The collaboration between DRDO and L&T has integrated Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) into the tank's loitering munitions, drawing insights from recent conflict dynamics in Russia and Ukraine.

The Zorawar light tank weighs 25 tonnes and represents the first instance of designing and preparing a new tank for trials within such a brief period. In the initial phase, 59 of these tanks will be supplied to the Indian Army, positioning the Zorawar as a frontrunner for a larger program that aims to include an additional 295 armored vehicles.

Arun Ramchandani, Executive Vice President of L&T, has lauded the joint development model while highlighting its success in achieving a major milestone within an exceptionally short timeframe.

Image source: Idrw.org