India prepares to put into use new Zorawar light tank

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled its indigenous light tank Zorawar, which is expected to undergo extensive trials.

Recently, the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has completed the project to develop the new generation Zorawar light tank, and will begin practical testing in September 2025, according to Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Director of DRDO. Photo: @ India Today.

The Zorawar light tank, jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is designed to meet the Indian Army's requirement for a highly mobile, combat-capable platform suitable for operations in high-altitude and mountainous areas. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The Zorawar Light Tank program was initiated after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between India and China, which exposed the operational limitations of India’s heavy T-72 and T-90 tanks in the high-altitude border areas. China’s deployment of the Type 15 light tank at the same time of the tensions underscored India’s need for an equivalent. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The design of the Zorawar Light Tank prioritizes maneuverability in rough terrain. Photo: @ India Today.

The car is equipped with a Cummins diesel engine (from the US) that produces 750 horsepower, some other reports say that there may be a 1,000 horsepower version. This engine allows the car to reach a highway speed of up to 65 km/h. Photo: @ India Today.

The Zorawar light tank is built on a new tracked chassis with six wheels on each side, along with a fixed cylinder hydraulic suspension system that increases stability and off-road performance. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The vehicle is also equipped with a removable float and a water jet propulsion system, providing the ability to wade through water up to a depth of 1.5 meters. Photo: @Asian Military Review.

The Zorawar is equipped with a Belgian John Cockerill 3105 two-man turret, armed with a 105mm high-pressure gun capable of firing armor-piercing, high-explosive and guided rounds. The turret has an integrated autoloader with a capacity of 12 to 16 rounds. The elevation angle ranges from -10 to +42 degrees, and the traverse angle is 360 degrees. Photo: @ Drishti IAS.

Secondary armament includes a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm NSVT heavy machine gun with an automatic fire control system. Some configurations appear to be equipped with anti-tank guided missile launchers. Photo: @ India Today.

The fire control system is based on French systems, including the PASEO modular stabilized electro-optical sight for both the commander and gunner, capable of independent hunting and aiming, and can rotate 360 ​​degrees. Photo: @ Drishti IAS.

The turret can withstand 25mm gun fire at a range of 500 meters. The hull is resistant to 14.5mm heavy machine gun fire. The tank can be fitted with modular supplementary armor to meet NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 ballistic standards. Photo: @ India Today.

The Indian Army has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with a long-term plan to purchase up to 300. Induction is expected by 2027, with the aim of forming seven light tank regiments, each equipped with 45 vehicles. The DRDO describes the Zorawar as a major step forward in India’s efforts to develop an indigenous light tank, incorporating advanced components and technology from various international sources. Photo: @ Drishti IAS.

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