Zorawar LT

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.

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

Background
Light tanks received renewed focus and interest in the late 2010s and early 2020s, 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.

Challenges at high altitudes
There are 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. This was seen in the United States invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, the Siachen conflict, the Kargil War, and the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes.

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. The K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes.

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.

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. 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.

Initially, the Indian Army intended to procure these light tanks from Russia. The Army finalised the general staff quality requirements and approached the Ministry of Defence in September 2022 for the Acceptance of Necessity (AON).

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.

In 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.

The concept of this tank was unveiled at DefExpo 2022, and as per April 2023 reports, the Indian Army may induct close to 700 units of this tank. The Russo-Ukrainian War has reportedly caused supply chain chokepoints for defense components, specifically electrical, electronic, and engine components, delaying projects, according to an August 2023 report by The New Indian Express.

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

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

Trials
In January 2024, developmental trials of the tank prototypes began in Hazira, Gujarat, at the L&T facility where the prototypes were built. It is expected that the prototypes will be handed over to the Army by April 2024. By July 2024, the track trials were completed and certain design changes were made as per suggestions. The tank will now go for desert trials with the Army, followed by high-altitude trials in Ladakh. As per the current timeline, the tank will be inducted by 2027.

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

Future operators

 * Indian Army - 59 on order. 295 more planned.
 * Indian Army - 59 on order. 295 more planned.

Contemporary competitors

 * , or VT-5 (export model)
 * , or VT-5 (export model)
 * , or VT-5 (export model)

Historical Indian light tanks

 * – ( prototype developed from in the 1980's and 1990's ).