Presented in early July, the Indian Army’s new light tank, the Zorawar, continues to undergo tests and evaluations. According to the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the new armored combat vehicle has successfully completed its most recent firing tests.
Weighing approximately 25 tons, the Zorawar is a light tank in development intended to equip the Indian Army for operations in challenging terrains, such as the mountainous areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where tensions and skirmishes with the People’s Republic of China are frequent.
In early July, various reports highlighted a presentation by the DRDO, which, along with local partner companies, has rapidly developed the Zorawar, with plans to deliver and incorporate it into the Indian Army by 2027.
Developing a new tank to renew its fleet of armored combat vehicles is not a new endeavor for India, as the country has gained experience in such projects over decades through licensed production and customization of Russian/Soviet-origin main battle tanks (MBTs).
As reported in July: “The Zorawar LT is equipped with a Cockerill 3105 modular turret, which includes a 105 mm gun, an active protection system, and modular armor, allowing for adjustments based on operational needs. Its design also features an MTU engine with 800 horsepower, providing an adequate power-to-weight ratio for operations in difficult terrain.”
In line with these capabilities, on September 13, the DRDO posted a video on its social media channels showcasing various firing tests the light tank is undergoing. The organization stated: “The first phase of the firing tests for the Indian Light Tank was successfully completed at the development field. The field tests met the objectives in desert terrain, and during the tests, the tank demonstrated the required accuracy on the intended targets.”
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