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Zorawar LT

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Zorawar
TypeLight tank
Place of originIndia
Service history
Used byIndian Army (ordered)
Production history
DesignerCombat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (DRDO)
Larsen & Toubro
Designed2022-2024
ManufacturerLarsen & Toubro
Produced2024
No. built1 prototype [1]
Specifications
Mass25 tonnes
Crew3
Main
armament
Cockerill 105 mm high-pressure rifled gun in customized Cockerill 3105 Turret[2][3]
Secondary
armament
1 × NSV 12.7mm AA MG on BEL RCWS
2 × side mounted ATGM
16 × 81mm Anti-thermal Anti-laser smoke grenade.[4][5]
EngineCummins VTA903E-T760; 760 hp diesel engine[6][7][8][9]
Power/weight30-40 hp/tonne[10]
Maximum speed 70 km/h (43 mph)
35–40 km/h (22–25 mph) cross country[11]

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. The Zorawar 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.[12]

The tank is named for the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh.[13]

Background

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A Cockerill 105 mm HP Gun made by Belgian company John Cockerill

Light tanks received renewed focus and interest in the late 2010s and early 2020s, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of the Ladakh region, 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.[14]

Challenges at high altitudes

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There are 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.[15] This was seen in the United States invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, the Siachen conflict, the Kargil War, and the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes.

Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector.[16] The K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions[17] had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes.[18]

The Indian Army found out that the Chinese side had deployed Type 15 tanks, which have significant advantages over the assets the Indian Army was fielding, at the extreme heights of the Galwan valley.[19][20]

Development

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The project is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who led the 1841 Military Expedition to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar during the Dogra–Tibetan War.[21][20] After news of the deployment of ZTZ-04A Chinese light tanks in the Ladakh sector, the Indian Army wanted to operate light tanks in the Himalayan theatre, where they will be easier to operate, maintain than main battle tanks. They are intended to be light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower.[22][23]

Initially, the Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia.[24] The Army finalised the general staff quality requirements and approached the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON).[25][26]

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.[27] The project cost that was sanctioned stood at Rs. 234.5 crore.[28]

In September 2022, it was confirmed that Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has been selected as the development partner of this homegrown "mountain tank" which is to be rolled out by 2023.[29]

The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022,[30] and as per April 2023 reports, the Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank.[31] The Russo-Ukrainian War has reportedly caused supply chain chokepoints for defense components, specifically electrical, electronic, and engine components, delaying projects, according to an August 2023 report by The New Indian Express.[32]

Proposed design

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The new light tank is supposed to be light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower. Its capabilities will be supplemented by artificial intelligence, integration with swarm drones for high lethality, loitering munitions for higher situational awareness, and an active protection system as a shield against modern anti-armour systems.[33]

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.[34] Recent reports suggest Rolls-Royce has delivered MTU 8V199 engine for the light tank project. The DRDO is also working on a project to develop an indigenous engine for production.[35][36]

Trials

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Zorawar LT firing main gun during preliminary automotive trials

In January 2024, developmental trials of the tank prototypes began in Hazira, Gujarat, at the L&T facility where the prototypes were built. It is expected that the prototypes will be handed over to the Army by April 2024.[37] By July 2024, the track trials were completed and certain design changes were made as per suggestions. The tank will now go for desert trials with the Army, followed by high-altitude trials in Ladakh. As per the current timeline, the tank will be inducted by 2027.[38][39]

On September 13, 2024, DRDO successfully completed the Zorawar LT's preliminary automotive trials at Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner.[40] In the desert terrain during the field trials, the light tank performed exceptionally well, effectively achieving all of the targeted goals. During the first phase, the tank met the necessary accuracy on pre-designated targets after undergoing a thorough evaluation of its firing performance.[41] According to the sources, the most important factor for a tank is precision, also known as FRHP (First Round Hit Probability) in technical parlance because it is necessary to hit the adversary first in modern warfare.[42][43]

As of October 2024, the next trials shall include missile firing. The developmental trials would be concluded by January 2025 after which the tank will be handed over to the Army for user trials. The user trials will take 12 to 18 months as the Army will test the tank's performance in summer, winter and high-altitude conditions. DRDO maintains that the tank will be inducted by 2027.[44]

As per a report on 13 November 2024, user trials by the Army will start in 2025.[45]

Orders

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An initial order for 59 tanks has been placed, which will be produced by Larsen and Toubro. The Indian Army will also be holding a competition for buying 295 light tanks, in which the Zorawar tank will take part in.[37][20] According to reports that emerged in May 2024, Bharat Forge is also developing a light tank under 25 tonnes to compete with L&T's Zorawar Tank in the Army's light tank programme.[46]

The purchase for a total of 354 tanks is expected to cost ₹17,500 crore (US$2.1 billion). The first batch of 59 batch is "reserved" for DRDO which includes L&T as the lead systems integrator. The rest of 295 tanks will be ordered and manufactured under Make-1 government funded category after a tendering process which will include L&T.[47]

As per a report in November 2024, the user trials by the Army in 2025 is to be followed by selection of 2 private companies for their prototype development based on Zorawar under the Futuristic Light Tank programme. Eventually, one of the designs wil be selected for mass production after competitive trials.[45]

Operators

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Future operators

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See also

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Contemporary competitors

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Historical Indian light tanks

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AFVs with similar firepower

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References

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  1. ^ "Army: Indigenously Developed 'Zorawar' Light Tank to Begin Trials Later This Month". the Wire. 16 November 2023.
  2. ^ "India's 'Zorawar' Light Tank, Designed For Operations On China Border, To Be Ready This Month For Trials In December". Retrieved 26 June 2024.
  3. ^ "L&T gets order to build prototype of light tank for Sino-India border". Business Standard. 14 April 2023.
  4. ^ "Battlefield Protection System" (PDF). Defence Research and Development Organisation. Defence Scientific Information & Documentation Centre. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  5. ^ "81 mm Anti-thermal Anti-laser (AT-AL) Smoke Grenade". Defence Research and Development Organisation. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
  6. ^ "India unveils 'Zorawar' light tank". Janes. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  7. ^ Singh, Dalip (18 November 2023). "America's Cummins engine to power Zorawar tank after Germany fails to relax trade restrictions". businessline. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  8. ^ "Cummins diesel engine import data of India from United States - 694 import shipments". Volza. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  9. ^ https://www.eurasiantimes.com/india-unveils-indigenous-light-tank-zorawar
  10. ^ "India unveils 'Zorawar' light tank". Janes. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  11. ^ "India's Light Tank Project Zorawar a Counter to China's Type 15 Deployment in the Himalayas". Indian Defence News. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
  12. ^ "'Zorawar' is India's answer to increased armoured threat on the Northern borders". TNIE. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  13. ^ "DRDO light tank 'Zorawar' to be ready for trials by year-end along China border". ET. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  14. ^ Desk, EurAsian Times (7 August 2020). "Heavy-Weight T-90 Tanks Deployed in Ladakh Not To Defend But To Threaten Chinese Territories – Experts". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 27 August 2022. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  15. ^ "Explained: Why high-altitude warfare is challenging, and how soldiers are trained". The Indian Express. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  16. ^ Pathak, Pravin (27 September 2020). "T-90 and T-72, Bhishma tanks deployed in Ladakh, How did India get the T-90 tanks?". ayupp. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  17. ^ Singh, Vijaita (31 August 2020). "China controls 1,000 sq. km of area in Ladakh". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  18. ^ Desk, EurAsian Times (25 January 2022). "Indian Army To Acquire 200 More K9 Vajra (Thunder) Howitzers Post Successful Deployment in Ladakh – Reports". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 27 August 2022. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  19. ^ Satam, Parth (1 July 2022). "Battling China – As India Hunts For 'Mountain Tanks', General Dynamics To Supply US Army With Its 1st Light Tank in Decades -- Reports". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  20. ^ a b c "Indian Army's China border watch awaits 'Zorawar' power punch". India Today. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  22. ^ Dutta, Amrita Nayak (23 April 2021). "Army wants around 350 light tanks to sharpen its mountain warfare edge amid Ladakh stalemate". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  23. ^ "Chinese military buildup at Eastern Ladakh includes over 300 tanks". TOI. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  24. ^ "Russia to Pitch Lightweight 'Sprut' Tank to Indian Army". The Defense Post. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  25. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex (26 August 2022). "Eye on China threat, Army launches Project Zorawar to deploy light tanks for mountain warfare". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  26. ^ PTI (26 August 2022). "Project Zorawar: Army to deploy light tanks in high-altitude areas in Northern sector". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  27. ^ Peri, Dinakar (26 August 2022). "Army accelerates procurement of light tank 'Zorawar' for LAC". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  28. ^ "Defence building light tank for Army, first prototype realised: Govt on Proj 'Zorawar' - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  29. ^ Dangwal, Ashish (20 September 2022). "India's first Prototype Of 'Mountain Tank' To Be Rolled Out By 2023; L&T Says Selected As Development Partner". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  30. ^ Tiwari, Sakshi (27 October 2022). "India Unveils Zorawar Light Tank Concept at DefExpo; Can Delhi Overlook Russian Offer of Amphibious Tanks Amid China Tensions?". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  31. ^ "Indian Army concerned over Chinese moves at LAC, may induct 700 Zorawar Light Tanks". Firstpost. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  32. ^ Singh, Mayank (13 August 2023). "Ukraine war delays India's tank project". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  34. ^ Singh, Dalip (18 November 2023). "America's Cummins engine to power Zorawar tank after Germany fails to relax trade restrictions". BusinessLine. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
  35. ^ Singh, Dalip (8 July 2024). "India represents a substantial opportunity for growth and expansion of our global supply chain". BusinessLine. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  36. ^ "India's indigenous light tank prototype Zorawar ready for rigorous testing". WION. 7 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  37. ^ a b c "Indian light tank Zorawar begins trials, expected to be ready for user tests by April". aninews.in. 12 January 2024. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
  38. ^ Philip, Snehesh Alex; ThePrint (6 July 2024). "India's indigenous light tank 'Zorawar' unveiled, fastest product development by DRDO, L&T". ThePrint. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  39. ^ "Watch: DRDO unveils light battle tank Zorawar, developed to counter China in high-altitude areas". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 6 July 2024.
  40. ^ Singh, Rahul (13 September 2024). "India's light tank Zorawar fires for the first time; key trials ahead". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  41. ^ "DRDO successfully conducts first phase of Developmental Field Firing Trials of Indian Light Tank 'Zorawar'". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Defence. 13 September 2024. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  42. ^ Singh, Mayank (13 September 2024). "India conducts successful field firing trials of its new indigenous light tank 'Zorawar'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  43. ^ "India Conducts Successful Trials Of "Highly Versatile" Light Tank Zorawar". NDTV.com. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  44. ^ Singh, Rahul (7 October 2024). "Indian Army rolls out its first overhauled T-90 'Bhishma' tank". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  45. ^ a b Pubby, Manu (13 November 2024). "Army to test indigenously designed and developed light battle tank in 2025". The Economic Times. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 14 November 2024.
  46. ^ "'Developing under 25 tonnes light tank for Army'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
  47. ^ "India begins preliminary trials of its new light tank Zorawar". The Times of India. 13 September 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
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