The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully concluded the initial phase of developmental field firing trials for India’s indigenous light tank, ‘Zorawar’. The trials, conducted on September 13, mark a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technology.
In a post on X, PRO, Defence, Guwahati said, “DRDO successfully conducted developmental field trials of Indian Light Tank, Zorawar. The collaboration with Indian industry aids in the growth of the domestic manufacturing ecosystem.”
“Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), on September 13, 2024, successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light Tank, Zorawar, a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas,” as per a press release from the Ministry of Defence.
Designed for versatility and high-altitude deployment, the Zorawar tank underwent rigorous testing in desert terrain. The preliminary automotive trials demonstrated the tank’s exceptional performance, meeting all intended objectives. The initial phase focused on evaluating the tank’s firing capabilities, with Zorawar achieving the required accuracy on designated targets.
The 25-tonne Zorawar tank, developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T). The project involved contributions from various Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting the country’s expanding defence industrial ecosystem.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the achievement, describing it as a crucial step towards India’s goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies. He commended DRDO, the Indian Army, and the associated industry partners for their successful collaboration.
Learning from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, DRDO and L&T have integrated USV and loitering munition in the Zoravar tank.
Initially, 59 tanks will be given to the army. Weighing 25 tonnes, this tank can move at high speed in mountain valleys and two tanks can be transported at a time by the Indian Air Force’s C-17 aircraft.
(Inputs from ANI)