SOURCE: AFI
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory under India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has issued a call for industry partners to co-develop an advanced 105mm Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) round for the Indian Army’s Zorawar-class light tanks.
This initiative aims to equip the indigenously developed Zorawar tanks with a high-performance anti-armor capability optimized for high-altitude combat, reinforcing India’s armored warfare capabilities in challenging terrains like Ladakh. The collaboration underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, while fostering innovation through public-private partnerships.
The round is engineered to achieve high muzzle velocity and penetration performance, capable of defeating advanced armor configurations, including composite and reactive armor, at ranges suitable for high-altitude combat. The aluminium sabot ensures efficient energy transfer to the tungsten penetrator, maximizing terminal ballistics while minimizing recoil, a critical factor for the 25-ton Zorawar tank’s lightweight design.
The Zorawar-class light tank, named after the 19th-century Dogra general Zorawar Singh, is a joint development between the DRDO and private sector partners, with Bharat Forge leading the production effort. Designed to operate at altitudes above 4,500 meters, as seen in regions like eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the tank addresses the Indian Army’s need for a lightweight, agile platform capable of rapid deployment in mountainous terrain. The Zorawar features a 105mm main gun, advanced fire control systems, and modular armor, making it a versatile platform for countering both armored and asymmetric threats.
The 105mm FSAPDS round is a critical component of the Zorawar’s armament, enabling it to engage modern main battle tanks (MBTs) like China’s Type 15 light tank and other armored vehicles deployed in high-altitude regions. The round’s high-strength tungsten penetrator is designed to penetrate armor thicknesses comparable to those of contemporary MBTs, ensuring the Zorawar remains a credible deterrent in contested border areas.
Specifications of the 105mm FSAPDS Round
The proposed 105mm FSAPDS round is designed to meet the stringent requirements of the Zorawar-class light tanks, which are tailored for rapid deployment and maneuverability in high-altitude and mountainous regions. The key specifications of the round include:
- Shot Weight: 6–6.7 kg, ensuring a balance between lethality and compatibility with the lightweight tank’s 105mm gun system.
- Length: 500–600 mm, optimized for aerodynamic stability and effective penetration.
- Maximum Diameter: 105 mm, tailored to the Zorawar’s main gun, a low-recoil 105mm cannon developed by Bharat Forge in collaboration with the DRDO.
- Penetrator Material: High-strength tungsten alloy, providing superior armor-piercing capability against modern tank armor.
- Sabot Material: Aluminium, designed to reduce weight and enhance muzzle velocity while maintaining structural integrity during firing.
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