Operators
Future Operators
India - Indian Army - 59 on order. 295 more planned. [26]
| Zorawar | |
|---|---|
| Type | Light Tank |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Indian Army (ordered) |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Defence Research and Development Organisation Larsen & Toubro |
| Designed | 2022-2024 |
| Manufacturer | Larsen & Toubro |
| Produced | 2024 (projected) |
| No. built | 1 prototype [1] |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 25 tonnes |
| Crew | 3 |
Main armament | 105mm Kalyani Gun [2] |
| Engine | Cummins Diesel 750 hp [3] |
| Power/weight | 30 hp/tonne |
The Zorawar is an Indian Light Tank design. It is designed to have a high power-to-weight ratio along with 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. [4]
The tank is named for the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh. [5]
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 main battle tanks like the T-72, T-90, Arjun Mk1 and Arjun Mk2 which were neither built nor equipped to handle the harsh conditions. [6]
There are various challenges in operating at high altitudes. Conventional military platforms like main battle tanks (MBT), 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. [7] This was seen in US invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, India Pakistan Siachen Conflict, Kargil War, and the Galwan Conflict.
Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector. [8] In fact, the K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions [9] had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes. [10]
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. [11] [12]
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. [13] [12] 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. [14] [15] Initially, Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia. [16] Army has finalised the general staff quality requirements and will approach the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) [17] [18]
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. [19]
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. [20]
The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022, [21] and as per latest reports, Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank. [22] The Russo-Ukrainian War has reportedly caused supply chain chokepoints for defense components, specifically electrical, electronic, and engine components, delaying projects, according to a report by The New Indian Express. [23]
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 munitions for high lethality and active protection system as a shield against modern anti-armour systems. [24]
India initially decided to use German MTU engines for Zorawar tank but due to repeated delays the Cummins 750 hp engine will be used for prototypes. [25]
The developmental trials of the tank had begun as of 12 January 2024. It is expected that the prototype(s) will be handed over to the Army by April 2024. [26]
Initial order for 59 tanks has been placed which will be produced by Larsen and Toubro. Indian Army will also be holding a competition for buying 295 light tanks in which Zorawar tank will take part in. [26] [12] According to reports that emerged on 14 May 2024, Bharat Forge is also developing a light tank under 25 tonnes to compete L&T's Zorawar Tank in the Army's light tank programme. [27]
India 
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The Chinese order of battle in the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes.