India Unveils Indigenous Mountain Tank ‘Zorawar’ After Successful Trials (GS Paper 3, Defence)
Context
- India has introduced its first domestically-produced tank designed specifically for mountain warfare, named the Zorawar.
- Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this innovative vehicle addresses the challenges of high-altitude combat, particularly in light of ongoing tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh and insights gained from recent global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Following successful testing, the Zorawar is set for deployment in rugged, high-altitude regions.
Key Features of the Zorawar Tank
- Weight: At 25 tonnes, the Zorawar is engineered to be lighter, enhancing its maneuverability in mountainous terrain.
- Mobility: Designed for rapid deployment, the tank can be airlifted by helicopters, making it versatile for deployment in inaccessible areas.
- Speed: It boasts a top speed of approximately 60 kilometers per hour on flat ground.
- Armament: The tank is fitted with a Cockerill 3105 turret, featuring a 105-millimeter gun. Additionally, it is equipped with machine guns and anti-tank guided missiles.
Development Overview
- The Zorawar tank has been in development for about three years. It is named in honor of General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, renowned for his strategic prowess in the Ladakh region.
- The tank is anticipated to be fully integrated into the Indian Army within the next three years.
Importance of the Trials
- Initial trials of the Zorawar have been promising, marking a significant advancement in India's quest for self-sufficiency in defense technology.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the trials as a “remarkable achievement,” noting the tank's successful performance in desert conditions and its expected effectiveness in mountainous and adverse weather environments.
Strategic Impact
- The Indian Army plans to acquire around 350 Zorawar tanks, focusing their deployment in high-altitude areas.
- The Zorawar's lighter weight makes it more suited for mountainous terrain compared to the heavier Arjun main battle tanks.
- This strategic adjustment is essential for equipping the army with suitable vehicles for varied landscapes, especially in challenging terrains like those in Ladakh.
