SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview, Dr Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), announced significant advancements in the development of the DRDO-L&T Zorawar Light Tank. He confirmed that the tank will feature a locally developed 105mm cannon, replacing the Cockerill 105mm High Pressure (HP) cannon that was showcased in the prototype. This move underscores India’s push for indigenization in its defence projects.
Dr. Kamat emphasized that by the time the Zorawar Light Tank reaches the production stage, even more imported systems will be replaced with locally developed alternatives. One such development is the Cummins 750hp engine that powers the tank. The engine will see local production in India, courtesy of the Indian subsidiary of Cummins, further reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
idrw.org has been told that Bharat-forge which already has a 105mm gun is currently been tasked to carry out the required changes so that it can be adopted for the Zorawar Light Tank program at the production stage.
The Zorawar Light Tank is a key component of the Indian Army’s modernization efforts, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by high-altitude and mountainous terrains. The Indian Army plans to procure nearly 350 of these tanks, with an initial order of 59 units.
This shift towards greater indigenization in the Zorawar Light Tank reflects India’s broader strategy of enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing, reducing imports, and boosting local production capabilities. As the project progresses, the Zorawar is set to become a symbol of India’s growing defence innovation and technological prowess.
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