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Zorawar Achieves Key Milestone in High-Altitude Trials
Context:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired its new light tank, the Zorawar, achieving accurate results at high altitudes
Key Highlights:
- Achievement of Major Milestone: The Zorawar light tank has successfully completed firing trials at an altitude of over 4,200 meters, demonstrating accurate results over various ranges.
- Previous Firing Trials: The tank had earlier fired at the Mahajan firing range near Bikaner, Rajasthan, three months ago.
- The trials focus on three key criteria: firepower, mobility, and protection.
- Previous Firing Trials: The tank had earlier fired at the Mahajan firing range near Bikaner, Rajasthan, three months ago.
- High-Altitude Firing Trials: The latest trials took place in Ladakh’s Nyoma region, further demonstrating its capabilities in rugged and remote conditions.
- Airlift Capability: The tank’s airlift capability was demonstrated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which enables rapid deployment to remote and difficult-to-access areas that cannot be reached by road or rail.
- Next Steps: After the completion of these trials, the tank will undergo user trials with the Indian Army in 2025.
About:
- The tank is named after Zorawar Singh, a legendary general who led the Dogra forces to victories in Ladakh and Tibet in the 19th century.
- Joint Development: Zorawar was developed under Project Zorawar by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to meet the Indian Army’s requirement for 354 light tanks.
- Purpose: The Zorawar is designed to counter Chinese light tanks deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India faces a military standoff with China.
- Development Timeline: The design-to-realisation-to-demonstration process was completed in three years.
- The tank was developed from scratch in two years by the DRDO and L&T.
- Future Role: The Zorawar light tank is part of a larger order for 59 tanks and aims to enhance the Indian Army’s operational capabilities in the region, especially for quick deployment and tactical flexibility in difficult terrain.
Features:
- Weight and Mobility: The Zorawar is a 25-tonne light tank designed for swift movement in mountainous terrain, making it highly suitable for high-altitude operations.
- Active Protection System: One of the critical features being developed is an active protection system, designed to protect the tank from threats such as anti-tank guided missiles and other projectiles.
- Amphibious Capability: The Zorawar is also being designed to be amphibious, enabling its deployment in riverine regions, including areas like Pangong Tso Lake in eastern Ladakh, where the Indian Army faces challenges from Chinese light tanks.
