SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has embarked on developing a new 105mm high-pressure (HP) barrel that will be a key feature of the Zorawar Light Tank. According to sources familiar with the project, the design phase of the 105mm gun has been completed, and an industrial partner has been selected to commence the fabrication process.
The development of the 105mm HP gun comes as part of India’s broader initiative to reduce its dependence on foreign military technology by creating indigenous alternatives. The ARDE-designed 105mm gun is intended to replace the current Cockerill 105mm HP gun (a NATO-standard system) that is currently fitted on the Zorawar Light Tank prototypes.
The new 105mm barrel developed by ARDE will initially undergo internal trials after its fabrication and delivery. Once these trials are successful, the gun will be integrated into the Zorawar Light Tank prototype for further testing. These tests will evaluate the performance, accuracy, and reliability of the new indigenous system, ensuring it meets the stringent operational requirements of the Indian Army.
The Zorawar Light Tank is a project undertaken by DRDO to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for a lightweight, agile, and versatile armoured vehicle capable of operating in high-altitude areas, such as Ladakh and other mountainous regions. Initially, the prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank was fitted with a Cockerill 105mm HP Gun, a widely used NATO-standard system known for its firepower and reliability.
The Zorawar Light Tank, with its indigenous ARDE 105mm HP gun, will offer the Indian Army a robust, mobile, and combat-effective platform to tackle challenges in difficult terrains and maintain an operational edge. This marks another important milestone in the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in the defence sector.
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