Zorawar LT

The Zorawar is an Indian light tank. It is a cross between an armoured fighting vehicle and a light tank (AFV-ILT), with a high power-to-weight ratio and substantial firepower, protection, surveillance and communication capabilities. It 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.[1]

Zorawar
TypeLight tank
Place of originIndia
Production history
Designer
Designed2022
ManufacturerDRDO & L&T
Produced2024 (projected)
No. built350 (planned)
Specifications
Mass25 tonne
Crew3
Enginediesel

The tank is named for the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh[2]

Light tanks in the Indian Army

Light tanks have got renewed focus and interest in recent times, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of Ladakh, it is very difficult to operate medium tanks, like T-72 and T-90, or heavy/Main Battle Tanks like Arjun Mk1/Arjun Mk2 which were neither built nor equipped to handle the harsh conditions.[3]

Challenges in operating at high altitudes

There are various challenges in operating at high altitudes. Conventional military platforms like tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), self propelled artillery etc. are not always able to generate enough power to maneuver due to rarefied air and lack of oxygen, or, face other logistical and operational challenges.[4] This was seen in US invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, India Pakistan Siachen Conflict, Kargil War, and now again with Galwan Conflict.

Background for light tank requirement

Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector.[5] In fact, the K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions[6] had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes.[7]

Also, the Indian Army found out, that the Chinese side had deployed Type 15 tank, which had significant advantage over the assets Indian Army was fielding at the extreme heights of Galwan valley.[8]

Development

This project of Light Tanks has been named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who led 1841 Military Expedition to Kailash Mansrovar during Dogra–Tibetan War.[9] After news of deployment of ZTZ-04A Chinese Light Tanks at Ladakh sector,Indian Army wanted to operate light tanks in Himalayan theatres, where they will be easy to operate, maintain, light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower.[10][11] Initially, Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia.[12] Army has finalised the general staff quality requirements and will approach the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON)[13][14]

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.[15]

On 16 September 2022, it was confirmed that L&T has been selected as the development partner of this homegrown "mountain tank" which is to be rolled out by 2023.[16]

The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022,[17] and as per latest reports, Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank.[18]

Proposed design

The new light tank is supposed to be light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower. Its capabilities will also be supplemented by Artificial Intelligence, integration with swarm drones for higher situational awareness, loitering ammunition for high lethality and active protection system as a shield against modern anti-armour systems.[19]

See also

Contemporary competitors

Tanks with similar firepower

References
  1. "'Zorawar' is India's answer to increased armoured threat on the Northern borders". TNIE. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  2. "DRDO light tank 'Zorawar' to be ready for trials by year-end along China border". ET. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  3. Desk, EurAsian Times (7 August 2020). "Heavy-Weight T-90 Tanks Deployed in Ladakh Not To Defend But To Threaten Chinese Territories – Experts". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  4. "Explained: Why high-altitude warfare is challenging, and how soldiers are trained". The Indian Express. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  5. Pathak, Pravin (27 September 2020). "T-90 and T-72, Bhishma tanks deployed in Ladakh, How did India get the T-90 tanks?". ayupp. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  6. Singh, Vijaita (31 August 2020). "China controls 1,000 sq. km of area in Ladakh". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  7. Desk, EurAsian Times (25 January 2022). "Indian Army To Acquire 200 More K9 Vajra (Thunder) Howitzers Post Successful Deployment in Ladakh – Reports". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  8. Satam, Parth (1 July 2022). "Battling China – As India Hunts For 'Mountain Tanks', General Dynamics To Supply US Army With Its 1st Light Tank in Decades -- Reports". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  9. "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  10. Dutta, Amrita Nayak (23 April 2021). "Army wants around 350 light tanks to sharpen its mountain warfare edge amid Ladakh stalemate". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  11. "Chinese military buildup at Eastern Ladakh includes over 300 tanks". TOI. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  12. "Russia to Pitch Lightweight 'Sprut' Tank to Indian Army". The Defense Post. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  13. Philip, Snehesh Alex (26 August 2022). "Eye on China threat, Army launches Project Zorawar to deploy light tanks for mountain warfare". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  14. PTI (26 August 2022). "Project Zorawar: Army to deploy light tanks in high-altitude areas in Northern sector". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  15. Peri, Dinakar (26 August 2022). "Army accelerates procurement of light tank 'Zorawar' for LAC". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  16. Dangwal, Ashish (20 September 2022). "India's first Prototype Of 'Mountain Tank' To Be Rolled Out By 2023; L&T Says Selected As Development Partner". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  17. Tiwari, Sakshi (27 October 2022). "India Unveils Zorawar Light Tank Concept at DefExpo; Can Delhi Overlook Russian Offer of Amphibious Tanks Amid China Tensions?". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  18. "Indian Army concerned over Chinese moves at LAC, may induct 700 Zorawar Light Tanks". Firstpost. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  19. "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
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