DRDO conducts field, firing trials of light tank ‘Zorawar’

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on Friday conducted successful preliminary automotive trials of the indigenously developed light tank, Zorawar.

Developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Zoravar is a versatile armoured vehicle suitable for deployment in high-altitude areas. 

The light tank demonstrated exceptional efficiently during field trials conducted in the deserts, meeting all the performance parameters. The trials also validated the tank’s firing power and accuracy. 

Zorawar has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd.

Besides L&T, several industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises, participated in the development of various sub-systems of the light tank.

These light tanks are meant for use in high altitude battle fields like Ladakh, where agility of the armoured vehicle matters. This realisation dawned on the authorities when India had to use heavy T-90 Bhishma tanks agaist China’s light and highly manoeuvrable T-15 tanks during the military standoff in Eastern Ladakh.

The Indian Army plans to acquire 350 of the Zorawar light tanks once field trials are completed. User trials are expected to commence this winter.

Zorawar will ensure reliable armoured vehicle support, allowing the infantry to operate with greater confidence.