The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the first phase of developmental field firing trials for the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar. In a post on X, PRO Defence, Guwahati, announced the achievement, highlighting the role of collaboration with Indian industry in boosting the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.
On September 13, 2024, DRDO conducted preliminary automotive trials of the Zorawar, a versatile platform designed for high-altitude deployment. According to the Ministry of Defence, the tank performed exceptionally well during field trials in desert terrain, achieving the desired accuracy on designated targets and meeting all objectives.
Developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in partnership with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T), the Zorawar tank involved contributions from numerous Indian industries, including MSMEs, showcasing the strength of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Army, and industry partners for their successful trials, calling it a major step towards India’s self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies. Drawing lessons from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, DRDO and L&T integrated unmanned systems and loitering munitions into the Zorawar tank.
Initially, 59 tanks will be delivered to the army. Weighing 25 tonnes, the Zorawar tank is designed for high-speed mobility in mountain valleys and can be transported in pairs by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft.