SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s ambitious Project Zorawar, aimed at developing a 25-tonne light tank tailored for high-altitude operations, is set to receive a significant upgrade. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) plans to replace the current 760hp US-made Cummins VTA903E-T760 engine, which powers the Zorawar light tank prototype, with the more powerful 1,000hp Cummins Advanced Combat Engine (ACE). This decision underscores India’s commitment to enhancing the tank’s performance in challenging terrains like Ladakh, where it is designed to counter Chinese armored deployments, particularly the Type 15 tank.
Named after the renowned Dogra general Zorawar Singh Kahluria, known for his expertise in mountain warfare, the Zorawar light tank is a joint venture between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The tank was developed in response to escalating tensions along India’s northern borders, particularly following the 2020 Galwan clash, which highlighted the need for a lightweight, agile, and powerful armored vehicle capable of operating in high-altitude regions. Unlike India’s heavier T-72 and T-90 tanks, optimized for plains and deserts, the Zorawar is designed for mobility in rugged, mountainous terrain and is air-transportable for rapid deployment.
The tank features a COCKERILL-3105 105mm turret modified to meet Indian Army requirements, including a 12.7mm NSV remote-controlled weapon station and twin anti-tank guided missile launchers. It also integrates advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, drone warfare capabilities, and active protection systems, making it a versatile platform for modern warfare. The Zorawar’s compact design, weighing 25 tonnes, ensures superior maneuverability and the ability to ford water obstacles, such as those in the Pangong Tso region.
The Zorawar prototype, unveiled on July 6, 2024, is currently powered by the Cummins VTA903E-T760, a 760hp engine paired with a RENK America HMPT-800 transmission. This powerpack, which shares commonality with the US Army’s AMPV and Bradley A4 vehicles, has performed well in trials, delivering a commendable power-to-weight ratio of 30hp/tonne. However, the Indian Army’s requirement for enhanced performance in high-altitude, low-oxygen environments—where engine efficiency can drop significantly—has driven the decision to upgrade to the 1,000hp Cummins ACE.
The Cummins ACE, developed in partnership with the US Army and Achates Power, is a 14.3-liter, four-cylinder, two-stroke, opposed-piston diesel engine. Its innovative design, featuring eight pistons (two per cylinder), supercharging, and turbocharging, eliminates the need for a valve train, resulting in a compact form factor ideal for combat vehicles with limited space. The ACE offers a 50% increase in power density, a 20% reduction in heat rejection, and a 13% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to traditional combat engines. These attributes make it well-suited for the Zorawar’s high-altitude deployment, where it can deliver superior power, mobility, and reliability in extreme conditions.
The decision to switch to the ACE was partly influenced by earlier challenges with the original engine choice. When Project Zorawar was sanctioned in April 2023, the tank was slated to use an 800hp engine from the German firm MTU (a Rolls-Royce subsidiary). However, stringent German export controls delayed delivery, prompting the MoD to pivot to the Cummins VTA903E-T760. Although MTU eventually secured clearance in November 2023, India opted to continue with Cummins for the entire program, citing reliability and timely supply. Reports also indicate that the MoD has urged Cummins to establish a local production or assembly line in India to support the “Make in India” initiative and reduce dependency on imports.
The Zorawar has undergone rigorous testing to validate its capabilities. Developmental trials began in January 2024 at L&T’s Hazira facility in Gujarat, followed by Phase 1 Desert Trials at the Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner in September 2024. The tank demonstrated exceptional mobility and precision, achieving high First Round Hit Probability (FRHP), a critical metric in modern warfare. As of December 2024, high-altitude trials are underway in Nyoma, Ladakh, at altitudes exceeding 4,200 meters (13,800 feet). The tank successfully fired multiple rounds, meeting criteria for firepower, mobility, and protection. Upcoming trials in 2025 will include missile firing, with user trials by the Indian Army expected to last 12–18 months, testing the tank in summer, winter, and high-altitude conditions. The DRDO aims for induction by 2027.
While the Cummins ACE will power the initial production batch of 59 tanks, the DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) is developing an indigenous 700hp engine for future production runs of 240 additional units. This 8-cylinder V90 engine, optimized for high-altitude operations, aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance India’s strategic autonomy. However, some experts argue that the 700hp engine may fall short of the 1,000hp requirement for optimal performance in mountainous regions, where a higher power-to-weight ratio (ideally 40hp/tonne) is desirable. Downgrading a 1,000hp engine was considered but deemed impractical due to the need for significant structural modifications, which could compromise the tank’s lightweight design.
The Indian Army has approved seven light tank regiments, totaling 354 tanks, at an estimated cost of ?17,500 crore (US$2.1 billion). L&T will produce the initial batch of 59 tanks, while the remaining 295 will be awarded through competitive bidding, with companies like Bharat Forge developing rival designs. The Zorawar’s modular design and integration of advanced technologies position it as a cornerstone of India’s armored capabilities in high-altitude and riverine regions. Its amphibious capabilities and compatibility with tactical drones further enhance its versatility.
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