Nyoma, Ladakh – October 25, 2025—In a landmark leap for India’s high-altitude warfare capability, the Zorawar Light Tank successfully completed Phase-2 mobility and firepower trials at 4,300 meters in Nyoma, Ladakh. Developed jointly by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) and L&T Defence, the 25-ton platform is now on track for limited series production (LSP) in 2026 and full induction by Q3 2027.

This program directly addresses the asymmetric warfare lessons from Operation Sindoor and complements the MPATGM’s infantry firepower, forming a lethal mountain strike duo.

Zorawar: Built for the Roof of the World

Zorawar is a light, air-transportable, high-mobility tank optimized for Ladakh, Arunachal, and Sikkim. Key specifications:

• Combat Weight: 25 tons (C-130J & IL-76 transportable)
• Main Gun: 105mm rifled (APFSDS, HEAT, HESH rounds)
• Engine: DRDO-developed 750 hp (high-altitude derated to 680 hp)
• Power-to-Weight: 30 hp/ton
• Ground Clearance: 450 mm
• Active Protection: DRDO APS with 360° radar + soft/hard-kill
• Top Speed: 70 km/h (road), 35 km/h (cross-country)
• Fording: 1.2 m without prep

CVRDE Director Dr. S. Venugopal stated, “Zorawar is not a light tank by compromise—it’s a precision strike platform for the world’s toughest terrain.”

Zorawar climbs 35° slope at 4,300m in Nyoma—snow-capped peaks in backdrop (DRDO Photo)

Nyoma Trials: Proving Ground for the Himalayas

Phase-2 trials (Oct 15–25, 2025) validated:

1. Mobility: 35° slope climb, 60 cm vertical step, -35°C engine start
2. Firepower: 8/8 hits on T-72 silhouette at 2 km (moving target)
3. APS: Intercepted 3 RPG-7 sims using soft-kill + hard-kill
4. Air Transport: C-130J load/unload in < 20 mins at Leh AFS
5. Comms: BMS integration with infantry via secure data link

The tank operated flawlessly at oxygen levels 40% below sea level, proving its high-altitude combat readiness.

Indigenous Core: DRDO Engine & Private Sector Muscle

Zorawar is 92% indigenous:

• Engine: CVRDE 750 hp V6 diesel (same family as K9 Vajra)
• Transmission: L&T-renamed German RENK (ToT complete)
• Tracks: Soucy composite rubber (licensed by Tata)
• Fire Control: BEL digital FCS with hunter-killer mode

L&T’s Talegaon facility will produce 300+ units under the No-NOC private manufacturing framework.

Production & Induction Roadmap

Approved by DAC in Sep 2025:

• 2026: LSP of 59 units (3 regiments)
• 2027: First regiment operational in Eastern Ladakh
• 2028–30: 10 regiments (300+ tanks) across Northern & Eastern Commands
• Cost per unit: ₹18–20 crore (vs. ₹60 crore for T-90)

Each regiment: **45 tanks + 6 command + 8 recovery** vehicles.

L&T Talegaon: First Zorawar hull in final assembly—Q1 2026 delivery (L&T Photo)

Tactical Role: Mountain Strike & Rapid Deployment

Zorawar fills the gap between:

• Infantry (MPATGM): Anti-tank reach
• T-90 Bhishma (50+ tons): Firepower in plains

Key missions:

• Rapid airlift to forward helipads (e.g., DBO, Tawang)
• Support mechanized infantry in narrow valleys
• Counter Chinese ZTQ-15 light tanks in Chushul

Export Variant: Zorawar-E for High-Altitude Allies

DRDO is preparing Zorawar-E with:

• Export-compliant 105mm ammo
• Modular APS (soft-kill only)
• Integration with third-party BMS

Target markets: Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Armenia—first export by 2029.

Strategic Edge in LAC Standoffs

With C-130J airlift, a Zorawar regiment can be deployed from Chabua to DBO in under 6 hours—a game-changer in rapid response scenarios.

Conclusion

Zorawar is not just a tank—it’s India’s mountain fist. From Nyoma’s frozen ridges to Arunachal’s jungles, this 25-ton warrior—powered by DRDO innovation and L&T scale—ensures the Indian Army dominates the high ground. As 300+ units roll out by 2030, Zorawar cements Atmanirbhar Bharat in armored warfare, proving that light doesn’t mean lightweight.

Stay tuned: We’ll bring you live from the first regimental firepower demo in Sikkim, May 2027.