SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India’s quest for indigenous defence solutions takes a crucial step forward as the 25-ton Light Tank embarks on internal developmental trials at the L&T facility. This potent and agile platform, developed in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), promises to bolster India’s military capabilities, particularly in challenging high-altitude terrains.
The current internal trials at L&T mark a crucial stage in the Light Tank’s development. These rigorous tests will assess the vehicle’s performance in various aspects, from mobility and firepower to crew comfort and survivability. The success of these trials is vital for handing over the tank to the Indian Army for further evaluation in April.
Come April, the Light Tank will face the harsh realities of high-altitude warfare during the summer trials. This will be a crucial test of its ability to operate in challenging terrains and weather conditions. Additional trials planned later in the year will further refine the tank’s capabilities and ensure its optimal deployment in strategically sensitive regions.
But the Light Tank program is not merely about a single platform. DRDO, in collaboration with L&T, envisions a family of combat vehicles based on the same adaptable chassis. This modular approach allows for the development of specialized variants tailored to specific needs.
One potential variant is a twin 30mm self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon system. This agile platform would significantly enhance India’s air defence capabilities in high-altitude regions, providing crucial protection against aerial threats.
Another planned variant is a highly mobile short-range air defence system (VSHORADS) equipped with a Vertical Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system. This would bolster India’s layered air defence network, effectively engaging low-flying aircraft and drones.
The program also envisions an engineer vehicle based on the Light Tank chassis. This variant, with a crew of three and space for four sappers, could be equipped with specialized engineering tools and operate in tandem with ground unmanned vehicles for enhanced combat engineering capabilities.
The modular design of the Light Tank platform allows for the rapid development of additional variants in the future, catering to evolving battlefield requirements. This flexibility ensures that the program remains relevant and adaptable in the face of changing threats and operational needs.
With internal trials underway and a diverse range of potential variants in the pipeline, India’s Light Tank program is poised to revolutionize the country’s high-altitude defence capabilities. The program’s focus on agility, firepower, and adaptability promises to equip the Indian Army with a versatile and potent weapon system for years to come.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.