DRDO completes preliminary trials of indigenous light tank

Last Updated16/09/2024

DRDO successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar, meant for deployment in high-altitude areas.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar, designed for high-altitude deployment, it announced on Friday.
Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), Zorawar is a critical step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence technologies.

During trials in desert terrain, Zorawar demonstrated exceptional performance and met all intended objectives. The tank’s firing capabilities were rigorously tested, achieving the required accuracy on designated targets, according to the DRDO statement.

Zorawar showcases the strength of India's indigenous defence manufacturing sector, with various sub-systems developed by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting the collaborative efforts within the country’s industrial base.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the development as a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency in critical defence systems and technologies.

The Indian Army first issued a Request For Information (RFI) in April 2021 for 350 light tanks, weighing less than 25 tonnes, to be procured in a phased manner. This move followed the India-China standoff in Eastern Ladakh in 2020, during which tanks were deployed at high altitudes, including on the Kailash range near Pangong Tso lake.
While the Army initially denied the need for such equipment, the standoff revealed the necessity of a light tank capable of operating at 15,000 feet. The Zorawar light tank is intended to provide easy deployment and manoeuvrability in these challenging conditions.

2025-06-01