Second Prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank Showcased by L&T: A Strategic Leap for India’s High-Altitude Warfare

SOURCE: AFI

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), unveiled the second prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank at its Hazira facility in Gujarat, India. This milestone marks a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defense capabilities, specifically tailored for high-altitude warfare in challenging terrains like the Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Designed to counter the evolving threats in mountainous regions, the Zorawar Light Tank is poised to enhance the Indian Army’s operational flexibility and firepower. This article explores the development, features, and strategic implications of the Zorawar Light Tank, as well as its role in India’s broader military modernization efforts.

The Zorawar Light Tank project, named after the 19th-century Dogra general Zorawar Singh, was initiated to address the Indian Army’s urgent need for a lightweight, agile tank capable of operating in high-altitude environments above 4,000 meters, such as those found in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash with China highlighted the limitations of India’s existing main battle tanks, such as the T-90S Bhishma and T-72M1, which struggle with mobility and logistics in mountainous terrain due to their heavy weight (46-48 tons) and the thin air affecting engine performance.

The Indian Army issued a Request for Information (RFI) in 2021 for a light tank under the Make in India initiative, aiming for a platform weighing under 25 tons with firepower comparable to heavier tanks. L&T partnered with DRDO to develop the Zorawar, leveraging the latter’s experience with the Arjun tank program. The first prototype was rolled out in December 2024, and after successful initial trials, the second prototype was showcased on June 1, 2025, incorporating feedback from the Army’s evaluations. The project aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, with over 70% indigenous content.

The second prototype of the Zorawar Light Tank will undergone initial trials in desert and semi-mountainous conditions, with high-altitude trials scheduled for late 2025 in Ladakh. The first prototype demonstrated impressive mobility, climbing gradients of up to 30 degrees and fording water obstacles up to 1.2 meters deep. The 105 mm gun successfully engaged targets at ranges of 4-5 kilometers, showcasing its accuracy and lethality. The active protection system intercepted simulated anti-tank threats during trials, validating its defensive capabilities.

Feedback from the Army led to enhancements in the second prototype, including improved suspension for better ride quality, an upgraded cooling system for the engine, and enhanced situational awareness through additional sensors. The Indian Army has expressed confidence in the platform, with plans to induct 354 units by 2030 as part of its modernization drive, replacing older T-72 tanks in high-altitude regions.

Features of the Zorawar Light Tank

The Zorawar Light Tank is a 25-ton platform designed for rapid deployment, agility, and lethality in high-altitude and rugged terrains. Its compact design, measuring approximately 8.5 meters in length and 3.2 meters in width, ensures maneuverability on narrow mountain roads and bridges with limited load-bearing capacity.

Key Specifications

• Weight: 25 tons, enabling airlift capability by IAF’s C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters.
• Armament: 105 mm rifled gun capable of firing high-explosive squash head (HESH), armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS), and missile rounds (under development with DRDO for anti-tank guided missiles like the Nag ATGM).
• Secondary Armament: 12.7 mm remote weapon station and 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.
• Engine: Cummins 1,000 hp engine, providing a power-to-weight ratio of 40 hp/ton for enhanced mobility in low-oxygen environments.
• Speed: Maximum speed of 60 km/h on roads and 40 km/h off-road.
• Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver).
• Protection: Modular composite armor, active protection system (APS), and laser warning receivers to counter anti-tank threats.
• Electronics: Advanced fire control system (FCS), thermal imaging, and hunter-killer capability with a panoramic sight for the commander.
• Communication: Software-defined radios for networked operations in the battlefield.

The Zorawar’s design emphasizes stealth and survivability, with a low silhouette and reduced thermal and acoustic signatures. Its ability to operate at altitudes up to 5,000 meters, where oxygen levels are significantly lower, is a critical advantage over heavier tanks. The tank’s modular design allows for future upgrades, including the integration of loitering munitions and unmanned systems for reconnaissance.

Comparison with Global Light Tanks

To understand the Zorawar’s standing, it’s useful to compare it with other light tanks in the region, such as China’s Type 15 and the Russian Sprut-SDM1, which India has also evaluated.

The Zorawar offers a balanced mix of firepower, mobility, and protection, outperforming the Sprut-SDM1 in terms of defensive systems while being lighter than the Type 15, which gives it an edge in airlift and deployment in extreme altitudes. However, the Type 15’s heavier armor and higher speed make it a formidable adversary, underscoring the need for India to expedite Zorawar’s induction and further develop its missile capabilities.

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