Indian Army Updates

DRDO unveils Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: General Zorawar; LT Zorawar

Why in the News? 

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) unveiled the prototype of the Zorawar light tank.

Note: 

  • India primarily has T-90S Bhishma and T-72 Ajeya produced under license from Russia.
  • The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program aims to develop and induct next-generation Indigenous main battle tanks to replace the ageing T-72 fleet starting from 2030 onwards

What is Zorawar Tank?

  • The Zorawar Tank was developed jointly by the DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
  • It is an indigenous light tank designed specifically for operations in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim.
  • It has been developed under ‘Project Zorawar’, named after General Zorawar Singh of Jammu.
  • Its prototype was unveiled in July 2023, with internal testing completed at L&T’s facility in Gujarat.
  • It has been scheduled for extensive trials in various conditions, including summer, winter, and high-altitude environments, with plans for induction by August 2025.

Who was General Zorawar Singh (1784–1841)?

  • Zorawar Singh Chandel was a military general of the Dogra Rajput ruler, Gulab Singh of Jammu.
  • He served as the governor (wazir-e-wazarat) of Kishtwar and extended the territories of the kingdom by conquering Ladakh and Baltistan.
  • He also boldly attempted the conquest of Western Tibet (Ngari Khorsum) but was killed in battle of To-yo during the Dogra-Tibetan war.
  • About his legacy of conquests in the Himalayas including Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan and Skardu as General and Wazir, Zorowar Singh has been referred to as the “Napoleon of India“, and “Conqueror of Ladakh“.

Operational Capabilities:

  • Designed to operate effectively in extreme weather conditions and at high altitudes (above 15,000 feet) with minimal logistic support.
  • Intended for use in challenging terrains where heavier tanks like T-72 and T-90 face limitations.
  • Includes thermal sights, night-fighting capabilities, and features to reduce visual, sound, heat, and electromagnetic signatures.

Technical Specifications:

  • Weight: Approximately 25 tons, allowing for air transportation.
  • Armament: Equipped with a 105mm turret from John Cockerill.
  • Firepower: Capable of firing advanced smart munitions and anti-tank guided missiles.
  • Mobility: Agile and manoeuvrable on steep slopes and riverine regions, designed to be amphibious.

Engine and Power:

  • Initially planned with a German engine, but due to delays, currently powered by a Cummins engine assembled in India.
  • DRDO is concurrently working on developing a new power pack and a 1400 HP engine to enhance performance.

Various Indigenous Tanks in the Indian Army

Features
Vijayanta (1965)
  • First indigenous main battle tank of the Indian Army
  • Based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1 tank
  • Equipped with a 105mm rifled gun
  • Top speed of 52 km/h and range of 201 km
  • Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
  • Upgrades included an improved fire control system, armour, and engine
Arjun (2004)
  • India’s first fully Indigenous main battle tank developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
  • Equipped with a 120mm rifled gun and has top speed of 67 km/h and range of 483 km
  • Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
  • Features advanced fire control system, composite armor, and NBC protection
  • Arjun Mk-1A variant with improved capabilities entered service in 2022

 

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