PROJECT ZORAWAR TANK: INTERNAL
SECURITY
News: Defence
Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed initial internal
trials of the indigenous light tank to called 'Zorawar LT'.
What’s in the news?
About Project Zorawar LT (Light Tank)
- India is
developing an indigenous light tank under 'Project Zorawar' for
quicker deployment and movement in high-altitude warfare in places like
eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Light
tanks are battlefield tanks with a maximum weight of 25 tonnes -
with a margin of 10 percent - with the same firepower as its
regular tanks.
- They have
been developed to counter Chinese deployment of large number of similar
armoured columns along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Amphibious
tanks i.e. they can cross rivers and other water bodies much more easily
than its predecessors, like the heavy weight T72 and T90 tanks.
- All-weather
capability and can target tanks, armoured vehicles, UAVs and precision
guided munitions, among others.
- Anti-aircraft
and ground role centric weapons besides advanced multipurpose smart
munitions and gun tube launched anti-tank guided missiles.
- Long
range for identifying enemy targets, thermal night fighting capability and
stealth features, such as the ability to suppress visual, audio/acoustic,
thermal and electromagnetic signatures.
- It has
capabilities such as Artificial Intelligence, integration of tactical
surveillance drones to provide a high degree of situational awareness and
loitering munition, along with an active protection system.
- Includes
an Active Protection System to protect these from anti-tank guided
missiles and projectiles.
Significance of these tanks for India's defence:
- These
light tanks will allow the Indian Army to match or increase its
capabilities in mountain warfare.
- These
tanks can exploit the limited space available in mountainous terrains by
way of enhanced mobility and additional warfare.
- Current
Indian tanks such as T-90, T-72, Arjun weigh between 40-68.5 tonnes, which
makes it difficult to deploy them. As compared to these, Zorawar tanks
have a weight around 25 tonnes and physical dimensions which enables its
easy transportation by air, road and water.
- This
light and agile tank is capable of operations in the most challenging
environment in the world with minimal logistic support, including
high-altitude areas along India's northern borders with China.
- This
light tank has been designed by DRDO and private company L&T.
Induction into Army of Zorawar Tanks:
- India
Army aims to procure a total of 354 such light tanks which is estimated to
cost Rs 17,500 crore which has been given preliminary approval or
'acceptance of necessity' by Defence Acquisition Council in December 2022.
Defence Acquisition Council is headed by Union Defence Minister.
- These
tanks will be inducted into the Indian Army by 2027.