India on Saturday unveiled its indigenous light tank 'Zorawar,' jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Authority (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro Limited. The trials of the newly developed tank were reviewed by DRDO chief Samir V Kamant in Gujarat's Hazira. Kamant stated that 'Zorawar' will be likely ready for induction into the Indian Army by 2027, after all the trials will be completed.


The light tank has been developed by the DRDO to meet the army’s requirements in the eastern Ladakh sector to counter the Chinese deployment across the Line of Actual Control. 






The tank weighs 25 tonnes and has been developed in a record time of two years for the high altitude regions of Ladakh. Its lightweight and amphibious capabilities enable it to travel through steep mountain climbs and cross rivers and other water bodies in a much easier way than the heavy-weight T-72 and T-90 tanks.


"It's indeed a momentous day for all of us to see the light tank in action. It makes me happy and proud. It's indeed an example. In a short period of two years to two and a half years, we have not only designed this tank but made a first prototype and now the first prototype will undergo development trials over the next six months, and then we will be ready to offer it to our users for user trials. Zorawar is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army by the year 2027 after all trials," DRDO chief told ANI.


L&T Executive Vice President Arun Ramchandani stated that the joint project has been developed in a short time frame and achieved big success.


"It is a great day for L&T today. Within two years, we have brought the tank to a level where it can be taken for internal trials and very soon for user
trials. It has been a big effort, a joint effort between DRDO and L&T, and I think it's a great achievement by both these teams. Nowhere in the world has a new product been deployed in such a short time. It's a wonderful achievement for both DRDO and L&T," Ramchandani said.






Taking notes from Russia and Ukraine conflict, Zorawar has been integrated with USVs in loitering munitions by the DRDO and L&T, news agency ANI reported.


Initially, 59 of these tanks will be provided to the Indian Army, following which 295 more will be provided as part of the major project.


Indian Air Force can supply two of these tanks in a go in the C-17 class transport aircraft. 






The trials are expected to conclude in the next 12-18 months, after which the tanks will be ready for induction into the army.