India's Light Tank Zorawar: A Milestone in Defence Technology

India successfully conducted the preliminary trials of the new light tank, Zorawar, which is designed to enhance the Army's combat capabilities. Developed by the DRDO and L&T Defence, the 25-tonne tank aims to counter China's deployments along the border. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed this achievement as a significant step towards self-reliance in defence technologies.

India on Friday successfully conducted preliminary trials of the new light tank, Zorawar, aimed at bolstering the Army's combat capabilities along the frontier with China.

The tank showed remarkable performance, meeting all specified objectives during field trials in desert terrain, according to the defence ministry.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and L&T Defence, this air-transportable 25-tonne tank is designed for rapid deployment, primarily along the China border.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the successful trials as a significant milestone towards India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The Indian Army plans to deploy over 350 light tanks, mainly in mountainous border areas, to counter China's similar deployments.

''Zorawar has been successfully developed by the DRDO's Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd,'' stated the defence ministry.

Various Indian industries, including MSMEs, contributed to the tank's development, underscoring the nation's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

This initiative follows a series of measures to bolster the Army's capabilities, including deploying M-777 ultra light howitzers and heavy tanks like T-90 and T-72 in eastern Ladakh.

(With inputs from agencies.)