SOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed the first phase of field firing trials of the Zorawar Light Tank, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its indigenous defense capabilities. The trials, which took place in a controlled environment, garnered widespread attention due to the tank’s notably low recoil performance. Defence industry experts were impressed by the tank’s superior stability, especially when compared to its potential adversary, the Chinese Type-15 Light Tank.
One of the standout features observed during the trials was the Zorawar’s exceptionally low recoil when firing from a static position. The Zorawar Light Tank currently mounts a 105mm John Cockerill low-recoil gun, which significantly reduces the movement of the vehicle during firing. This stability is not only crucial for maintaining accuracy but also contributes to the overall durability and comfort of the vehicle and its crew.
By comparison, the Chinese Type-15 Light Tank, despite being equipped with advanced firepower and armor, experiences noticeably greater recoil. The Type-15’s recoil when firing can cause more movement of the vehicle, leading to challenges in maintaining accuracy and resulting in increased wear and tear on the tank over time. This is where Zorawar holds a clear advantage—its low-recoil performance ensures better precision, less mechanical strain, and a smoother experience for its crew, which can prove critical in high-altitude terrains like those near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
When comparing the recoil stability of the two tanks, Zorawar’s low-recoil design gives it a clear edge. Tanks that exhibit excessive movement during recoil require time to readjust before firing subsequent rounds, which can slow down the rate of fire and diminish battlefield effectiveness. Additionally, more recoil often means a greater impact on the internal components of the tank, leading to increased maintenance and reduced service life.
Zorawar, with its noticeably more stable platform, can fire more accurately while reducing stress on its systems. In contrast, the Type-15’s heavier weight (33 tons without additional armor) contributes to its increased recoil impact, making it less stable during rapid firing sequences. Zorawar, weighing in at 25 tons without additional armor, demonstrates a superior balance of firepower and stability, giving it a significant tactical advantage in engagements where quick and accurate firing is critical.
Although the Zorawar currently features the low-recoil John Cockerill gun, there are plans to replace it with a domestically developed Indian gun in future versions of the tank. The question remains whether the new gun will be able to match the impressive performance of the current model in terms of recoil and stability. Given the importance of maintaining Zorawar’s tactical advantages, it is critical that any new weapon system integrated into the tank retains or improves upon its existing low-recoil characteristics.