SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed that its 25-ton Zorawar Light Tank, currently undergoing developmental trials under Project Zorawar, is designed with scalability in mind, paving the way for a potential 32-ton variant if the Indian Army seeks greater firepower and upgrades in the light tank category. This flexibility underscores DRDO’s forward-thinking approach, ensuring the platform can adapt to evolving operational needs while maintaining its core design integrity.
The Zorawar, developed in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), was unveiled in July 2024 as a 25-ton light tank tailored for high-altitude warfare, particularly along India’s northern borders in Ladakh and Sikkim. Optimized for agility and air-transportability, it currently features a 105mm turret from Belgium’s John Cockerill and a Cummins engine delivering a power-to-weight ratio exceeding 35 hp/tonne.
However, DRDO has now revealed that the tank’s architecture allows for an upscaled 32-ton version, capable of integrating a more formidable 120mm turret and an upgraded 800hp engine, further refined for high-altitude performance.
This announcement comes amid ongoing trials of the 25-ton Zorawar, which has already demonstrated its precision and mobility in desert conditions at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in September 2024. The proposed 32-ton variant would retain the same foundational design but enhance its firepower and protection, addressing potential shifts in the Army’s requirements. “The Zorawar has been engineered with future upgrades in mind,” a DRDO official stated. “Scaling it to 32 tons with a 120mm turret and an 800hp engine is entirely feasible, ensuring it remains competitive in the light tank category.”
The development aligns with India’s strategic imperatives, particularly in response to China’s recent unveiling of a 37-ton upgraded variant of its Type 15 Light Tank. Showcased as an evolution of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) high-altitude platform, the 37-ton Type 15 builds on its predecessor’s 33-35-ton frame, boasting a 105mm rifled gun and a 1,000hp engine. Deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since the 2020 standoff, Type 15 has underscored China’s focus on lightweight, agile armour for mountainous terrain. The Zorawar’s potential upgrade to 32 tons with a 120mm turret positions it as a direct counter, offering superior firepower while remaining lighter and more manoeuvrable than its Chinese rival.
The Indian Army initially sought 354 light tanks under Project Zorawar, with 59 units earmarked for production by DRDO and L&T, and the remaining 295 to be competitively tendered under the Make-I category. The 25-ton version, designed for rapid deployment via C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, is slated for user trials by August 2025, with induction targeted for 2027.
However, the Army’s evolving needs—potentially driven by regional threats and lessons from conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war—could see a demand for greater lethality, prompting the 32-ton upgrade. The proposed 32-ton Zorawar would feature a 120mm smoothbore or rifled turret, capable of firing advanced munitions, including anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), alongside an 800hp engine optimized for altitudes exceeding 15,000 feet. This power boost would maintain a high power-to-weight ratio, ensuring agility across rugged landscapes. Additional upgrades could include enhanced active protection systems (APS) and integration of drones or loitering munitions, already part of the 25-ton design, further amplifying its battlefield versatility.
As trials progress—spanning desert, winter, and high-altitude conditions—DRDO remains confident in the Zorawar’s adaptability. “The 25-ton version meets current qualitative requirements, but the 32-ton option ensures we’re ready for future demands,” the official added. With Bharat Forge also developing a competing light tank, the Army’s final choice could hinge on how the Zorawar’s scalability aligns with its long-term vision.
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