News Brief
Zorawar Light Tank Likely To Be Handed Over To Indian Army For User Trials By April: Report
Kuldeep Negi
Jan 13, 2024, 12:16 PM | Updated 12:49 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is likely to hand over the Zorawar light tank to the Indian Army for trials by April this year.
This comes as the development trials of the light tank have already started.
"The light tank with its new engine has started in our development cum production partner's facilities. The tank has been moved around for more than 100 kilometres, and it is expected to be given to the Indian Army by April this year," defence officials was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
Also Read: Fostering Linguistic Diversity: UGC To Provide Undergraduate Textbooks In 12 Indian Languages
The Indian Army has placed an order for 59 Zorawar light tanks with the DRDO, which is producing them with its partner Larsen and Toubro.
The light tank project, initially scheduled for delivery in December for trials in both desert and high-altitude locations, experienced delays due to engine supply issues from Germany.
In a broader strategy to enhance its capabilities, the Indian Army is also set to conduct a competition to acquire an additional 295 light tanks under a different programme, for which six to seven companies are offering their light tanks.
The light tank project is a critical part of the Indian Army's efforts to improve its mobility and maneuverability in the strategically important Ladakh sector. This move comes in response to the deployment of a significant number of light tanks by China in the same region.
To tackle threats from China, the Indian Army mooted the idea of having similar abilities. The Defence Acquisition Council has recently greenlit this project, which is being executed under the 'Make in India' initiative.
DRDO is working with L&T on the project to build the 25-tonne light tank, which would be capable of moving fast and easily in the high mountainous terrain.
Also Read: J&K: Search Operation Launched After 'Suspected Terrorists' Attack Army Vehicles In Poonch
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Kuldeep is Senior Editor (Newsroom) at Swarajya. He tweets at @kaydnegi.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.