Zorawar Light Tank: India’s Indigenous High-Altitude Combat Vehicle
The Zorawar light tank is a state-of-the-art 25-tonne armored fighting vehicle developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the Indian Army. Specifically designed for high-altitude warfare in challenging terrains like the Himalayas, Zorawar addresses strategic mobility and firepower gaps identified during recent border conflicts.
Development Background
Named after the legendary Dogra general Zorawar Singh, the tank was initiated following the 2020 border clashes with China, where heavier main battle tanks struggled with mobility above 4,000 meters altitude. The Indian Army’s requirements called for a lighter, more agile tank capable of rapid deployment, air transportability, and operating in oxygen-depleted mountainous regions.
The first prototype was unveiled in December 2024, closely followed by a second prototype in mid-2025 with improved features based on field trials and army feedback. Indigenous content exceeds 70%, aligning with India’s push for self-reliant defence manufacturing.
Key Specifications and Features
- Weight & Mobility: Approximately 25 tonnes, enabling airlift by IAF’s C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters, with a power-to-weight ratio of about 30 hp/ton for agility.
- Engine: Initially powered by Cummins VTA903E-T760 diesel engine of 760 hp, with plans to upgrade to an indigenous 800 hp engine for future batches for better performance and reduced foreign dependency.
- Armament: A 105mm rifled gun capable of firing HESH, APFSDS, and anti-tank guided missile rounds, along with secondary 12.7 mm remote weapon station and coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun.
- Protection: Modular composite armor and Active Protection System (APS) to counter anti-tank weaponry, along with laser warning receivers.
- Electronics: Advanced fire control system with thermal imaging, panoramic sights, hunter-killer capability, and Software Defined Radios ensuring integrated network communication, similar to IRSA.
- Operational Performance: Ability to climb gradients of 30 degrees, ford water obstacles up to 1.2 meters, and engage targets at ranges up to 5 km.
Strategic Role and Future Prospects
The Zorawar light tank enhances India’s combat capabilities in mountainous border regions against evolving threats. Its design prioritizes stealth, survivability, and rapid deployment.
The indigenization of the engine and transmission aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening India’s defence industry ecosystem.
Planned induction of 354 tanks by 2030 aims to replace older T-72 variants in high-altitude theatres, with improved powertrain augmenting operational readiness.
Comparison with Regional Counterparts
| Feature | Zorawar | China Type 15 | Russia Sprut-SDM1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 25 tons | 33-36 tons | 18 tons |
| Main Gun | 105 mm rifled | 105 mm rifled | 125 mm smoothbore |
| Engine Power | 760-800 hp | ~1,000 hp | 500 hp |
| Max Speed (Road) | 60 km/h | 70 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Air Transportable | Yes (C-17, Chinook) | Yes (Y-20) | Yes (Il-76) |
| Protection | Composite + APS | Composite | Light armor |
