India’s indigenous light tank prototype Zorawar ready for rigorous testing
Zorawar light tank
According to defence officials, the nation's light tank prototype, named Zorawar, is ready and will shortly undergo rigorous testing. The indigenous tank was revealed on July 6.
The principal integrator, Larsen & Toubro, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) collaborated on its development. According to media reports, DRDO has started working on a project to manufacture a new engine locally to replace the Cummins engine that powers the tank today.
“It has been developed from the drawing board within the shortest possible time and capable of operation in the most challenging environment on the earth, i.e. extreme weather and extreme height with minimal logistic support in high altitude areas along the northern border of India,” a defence official told The Hindu.
Following factory acceptance, the prototype is ready and will soon undergo internal testing in the field before being given to the users for testing.
The tank will be tested in summer, winter, and high altitude circumstances over the next six months as part of developmental trials. By August 2025, the tank will be turned over to the Army for user trials.
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Initially, a German engine was the best option for powering the light tank. However German export approvals caused a delay in its acquisition. Although the German government did approve it, officials said it was too late and was causing delays.
Thus the tank, Zorawar was developed with a Cummins-powered engine. A source informed The Hindu that the company has additionally agreed to assemble the engine in India.
Meanwhile, the DRDO has initiated a project to develop a new power pack for the light tank, alongside the development of a new 1400 HP engine for the Arjun Mk1A main battle tank.
The Army released a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2021 for the phased acquisition of 350 light tanks weighing less than 25 tonnes, as well as the needs for engineering support packages, specialised technologies, performance-based logistics, and other maintenance and training.
Following this, in order to promote indigenous development of defence weapon platforms through industry, DRDO and L&T collaborated to build a light tank. Numerous Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises were also brought in for different sub-system development projects.
(With inputs from agencies)
