A month has passed since India and China announced the commencement of military disengagement at key friction points along the Himalayan border in eastern Ladakh. However, uncertainty lingers as questions arise about Beijing’s reliability in adhering to its commitments. The situation is exacerbated by China’s silence regarding the progress of the promised de-escalation, which includes the withdrawal of troops from advanced positions and the reestablishment of joint patrolling arrangements. Despite the agreement, both nations have continued to maintain a significant presence of troops and equipment in the border region.
In light of potential provocations from the Chinese military, Indian armed forces have heightened their operational readiness. A significant addition to their capabilities is the indigenous light tank Zorawar, which has been deployed to Ladakh’s Nyoma field firing range for a month-long trial that will extend into mid-December. Named after the 19th-century military general Zorawar Singh Kahluria, renowned as the ‘Conqueror of Ladakh’, the Zorawar tank weighs 25 tonnes and is undergoing testing focused on its firepower, mobility, and resilience in high-altitude conditions.
Having previously demonstrated successful performance in the deserts of Rajasthan, the tank must pass all field trials before it can progress to user trials by the Indian Army and formal induction. Zorawar is designed to counter the Chinese ZTQ-15 light tank, or Type 15 ‘Black Panther’, which weighs 35 tonnes and is currently fielded by the People’s Liberation Army in the Depsang Plains region along the Line of Actual Control.
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While the Indian military boasts one of the strongest armored fleets globally, with around 4,300 tanks and 8,700 armored vehicles, past assessments have revealed a lack of focus on the strategic importance of light tanks for high-altitude operations. This oversight became evident during the stand-off that began in summer 2020, when it was discovered that India’s heavier T-90 and T-72 models were challenging to operate in the mountainous terrains adjacent to China. The need for a more agile, high-altitude tank became apparent as Chinese light tank deployments increased in proximity to the LAC.
Recognizing this deficiency, the Indian Army is advancing towards acquiring an indigenous light tank capable of rapid maneuvering in such challenging environments. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Zorawar represents a strategic response to the evolving operational needs. The army has placed an initial order for 59 tanks, which constitutes about one-fifth of the estimated requirement of 300 light tanks tailored for high-altitude deployment. L&T will handle the production of this initial order, with expectations that more private manufacturers will join in future contributions.
The Zorawar project has seen significant input from scientists at the DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment in Avadi, near Chennai. Initially, the design team contemplated modifying existing towed artillery to create the tank; however, this proposal was rejected by the Directorate General of Armoured Corps. Instead, a dedicated light tank under 25 tonnes was mandated, leading to the selection of a US engine after supply chain issues hindered the initial choice of a German engine. Such developments highlight India’s ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities in response to the evolving strategic landscape along its northern border.
