Zorawar LT

Indian tank

Zorawar
Zorawar Light tank developed by DRDO and L&T
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 (projected)
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 AT-AL smoke grenades.[4]
EngineMTU 8V 199 TE21; 816 hp (600 kW) liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine[5][6] Alternatively, Cummins VTA903E-T760 760 hp diesel engine[7][8][9]
Power/weight30-40 hp/tonne[10]

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. It 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.[11]

The tank is named for the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh.[12]

Background

Cockerill 105 mm HP Gun made by Belgian company John Cockerill

Light tanks have got renewed focus and interest in recent times, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of Ladakh, 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.[13]

Challenges at high altitudes

There are various 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.[14] This was seen in the US invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, the India Pakistan Siachen Conflict, the Kargil War, and the Galwan Conflict.

Requirements for light tank

Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector.[15] In fact, the K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions[16] had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes.[17]

Also, 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.[18][19]

Development

This light tank 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.[20][19] 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.[21][22] Initially, the Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia.[23] The Army has finalised the general staff quality requirements and will approach the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON).[24][25]

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.[26]

On 16 September 2022, it was confirmed that Larsen & Toubro has been selected as the development partner of this homegrown "mountain tank" which is to be rolled out by 2023.[27]

The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022,[28] and as per latest reports, the Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank.[29] The Russo-Ukrainian War has reportedly caused supply chain chokepoints for defense components, specifically electrical, electronic, and engine components, delaying projects, according to a report by The New Indian Express.[30]

Proposed design

The new light tank is supposed to be light and maneuverable without sacrificing firepower. Its capabilities will also be supplemented by artificial Intelligence, integration with swarm drones for higher situational awareness, loitering munitions for high lethality and active protection system as a shield against modern anti-armour systems.[31]

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.[32] Recent reports suggest Rolls-Royce has delivered MTU 8V199 engine for the light tank project. DRDO is also working on a project to develop an indigenous engine for production.[33][34]

Trials

The developmental trials of the prototype(s) of the tank had begun in Hazira, Gujarat (L&T facility where prototypes where built) as of 12 January 2024. It is expected that the prototype(s) will be handed over to the Army by April 2024.[35] The track trials were completed by July 2024 and certain design changes were done as per suggestions. The tank will now go for desert user trials with the Army followed by high-altitude trials in Ladakh. As per current timeline, the tank will be inducted by 2027.[36][37]

Orders

Initial order for 59 tanks has been placed which will be produced by Larsen and Toubro. Indian Army will also be holding a competition for buying 295 light tanks in which Zorawar tank will take part in.[35][19] According to reports that emerged on 14 May 2024, Bharat Forge is also developing a light tank under 25 tonnes to compete L&T's Zorawar Tank in the Army's light tank programme.[38]

Operators

Future operators

See also

Contemporary competitors

Historical Indian light tanks

AFVs with similar firepower

References

  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. ^ Dalip, Singh. "Light tank 'Zorawar' goes through test trial, likely to be inducted into Army by 2027". businessline. The Hindu. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Land Defense brochure" (PDF). MTU. Rolls-Royce Group. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  7. ^ "India unveils 'Zorawar' light tank". Janes. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ "Cummins diesel engine import data of India from United States - 694 import shipments". Volza. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  10. ^ "India unveils 'Zorawar' light tank". Janes. 8 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  11. ^ "'Zorawar' is India's answer to increased armoured threat on the Northern borders". TNIE. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  12. ^ "DRDO light tank 'Zorawar' to be ready for trials by year-end along China border". ET. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  13. ^ 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.
  14. ^ "Explained: Why high-altitude warfare is challenging, and how soldiers are trained". The Indian Express. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ Singh, Vijaita (31 August 2020). "China controls 1,000 sq. km of area in Ladakh". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  17. ^ 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.
  18. ^ 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.
  19. ^ a b c "Indian Army's China border watch awaits 'Zorawar' power punch". India Today. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  20. ^ "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  21. ^ 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.
  22. ^ "Chinese military buildup at Eastern Ladakh includes over 300 tanks". TOI. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
  23. ^ "Russia to Pitch Lightweight 'Sprut' Tank to Indian Army". The Defense Post. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  24. ^ 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.
  25. ^ PTI (26 August 2022). "Project Zorawar: Army to deploy light tanks in high-altitude areas in Northern sector". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  26. ^ Peri, Dinakar (26 August 2022). "Army accelerates procurement of light tank 'Zorawar' for LAC". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ 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.
  29. ^ "Indian Army concerned over Chinese moves at LAC, may induct 700 Zorawar Light Tanks". Firstpost. 9 April 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  30. ^ Singh, Mayank (13 August 2023). "Ukraine war delays India's tank project". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Indian Army to get light tank, 'Zorawar' soon". Financialexpress. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  32. ^ 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.
  33. ^ Singh, Dalip (8 July 2024). "India represents a substantial opportunity for growth and expansion of our global supply chain". BusinessLine. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  34. ^ "India's indigenous light tank prototype Zorawar ready for rigorous testing". WION. 7 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  35. ^ 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.
  36. ^ 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.
  37. ^ "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.
  38. ^ "'Developing under 25 tonnes light tank for Army'". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 May 2024.