Zorawar Light Tank:India’s Armored Prowess in High Altitudes

Historical Context

1948 & 1962 Wars: Use of light tanks in Kashmir and against China.
Shift in Focus: From medium to main battle tanks in the 1970s.

High-Altitude Challenges

Terrain Limitations: Difficulty in operating heavy tanks like T-90s in the Himalayas.
Chinese Counterpart: Deployment of Chinese ZTQ-15 light tanks.

Zorawar: A New Dawn

DRDO and L&T Collaboration: Development of ‘Zorawar’ under DRDO with L&T.
Operational Trials: Development and field trials scheduled.

Technical Specifications

Design Philosophy: Light, agile, suitable for high-altitude warfare.
Engine Selection: Transition from German to US engines.

Strategic Importance

Initial Order: 59 tanks with an overall requirement of over 300.
Comparison with PLA: Countering China’s light tanks in the Himalayas.

Future Implications

Enhanced Border Security: Strengthening India’s position on the LAC.
Global Military Ranking: Impact on India’s armored strength rankings.

SRIRAM’s