Zorawar: Light tank for Indian army

Zorawar is an example of Rapid development of Prototype in record time. Had we gone through PSU route, it would have taken at least double the time to get it operationalized. I see Zorawar getting operationalized in 2026. When order will be placed, It will be delivered in record time like what L & T did with K9 Vajra. No more PSU for production now. Bring in TATA, Adani and Ambani in Tejas Mk2, AMCA and ORCA at least for production.
 
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Zorawar blueprint (source)

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India’s Zorawar light tank nears combat readiness following high-altitude trials​


The first prototype of India’s light tank is “heading to Chennai for modifications” after completing high-altitude trials in the country’s northern borders, according to Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi

The development of the Zorawar light tank has been driven by a requirement for lightweight, easily deployable tanks, that could be transported by air. The necessity became evident during the 2020 conflict with China in eastern Ladakh when 42-ton T-72 tanks were taken to high altitudes where they faced challenges including -40°C temperatures which impacted performance, transportation and maintenance of the vehicles.

China has positioned many of its 500 30-ton Type 15 light tanks in the Tibetan Plateau and other high-altitude regions.

Presently called Zorawar, a final name for the light tank has yet to be decided, Dwivedi told Shephard. It will be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with production partner Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at the latter’s heavy engineering plant in Hazira, Gujarat.

“Zorawar showcases India’s rapid innovation and indigenous capability in defence manufacturing,” said Balpreet Singh, consultant at Ernst & Young, Aerospace & Defence.

High-altitude trials for the vehicle were held in Nyoma, Ladakh, at 4,200m (13,800ft). It has been designed to be amphibious for use in riverine regions, and further trials were held in Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh.

The Indian Army has requisitioned 354 light tanks worth US$2 billion “to begin with”, according to Dwivedi. An initial order for 59 light tanks has been placed with Larsen & Toubro and DRDO.

“Following changes suggested during trials, we will see the new version and thereafter we will carry out more trials,” Dwivedi added. “Once complete, I’m sure the balance orders will [be released].”

The additional 295 vehicle bid, in which the Zorawar will participate, will likely also include Bharat Forge which has been developing a light tank under 25 tons.

The Zorawar prototype is powered by the US Cummins VTA903E-T760 engine which delivers 760hp. The 3-crew, 25-ton light tank with amphibious capabilities, is to be equipped with a 105mm calibre gun turret from Belgium’s John Cockerill. It also has an autoloader and a remote-controlled 7.62mm calibre machine gun.

The tank can launch anti-tank guided missiles from the main gun, as well as a twin side-mounted launcher on the left side. Also featured are two Safran Paseo electro-optical systems, thermal imaging and laser rangefinders.

Alongside, the Indian Army has around 2,500 T-72s with Russian V-12 diesel engines. A decision to upgrade 1400 has seen slippages, primarily as a solution to upgrade the present 750hp engine with an indigenous 1,000hp engine has yet to fructify.
 
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World’s top turret-making company to manufacture in India. Signs joint venture for light tanks’ turrets

New Delhi: Belgium-based John Cockerill Defense, one of the world’s top turret-making companies, has tied up with an Indian firm to manufacture, assemble and commission the critical component for the Indian Army’s Indian Light Tank (I.L.T) programme, Project Zorawar.

The company has formed a 60:40 joint venture with Indian firm Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd to manufacture turrets in Chakan, Pune.

This will be the first time that the Belgium company will set up a manufacturing facility for turrets outside its country.
The DRDO and private firm L&T have come up with the Zorawar light tank, which is currently undergoing tests in-house.

For the tank, L&T used the John Cockerill turret.

Under Project Zorawar, the Indian Army will buy 59 light tanks if found satisfactory, and then L&T will compete with other firms for a larger order.

The initial demand of the Army is roughly 350 light tanks to take on the Chinese in the mountainous borders.

“The joint venture that we have is not limited to just the 59 light tanks. Our reading is that the overall demand will be much higher than 350 … Moreover, as the joint venture stabilises, we will look at other programmes of the Indian Army—like the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and the futuristic main battle tank called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV),” Thierry Renaudin, Chief Executive Officer, John Cockerill Defense, said in the national capital responding to a query by ThePrint.

Project Zorawar, he said, is not just limited to manufacturing the light tanks for Indian orders but eventually making them at the Chakan plant and exporting them around the world.

Ingrid Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, said the company plans to roll out the first India-made turret in 2027.

The company has made the launchers for the Akash Next Generation, and the same, along with the hydraulics for the Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Gun (ATAGS), are under trial.


Ashley Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director of the Indian firm, said the joint venture would look at exports, as the John Cockerill executive pointed out that the company already sells turrets to nearly half a dozen countries.

Vivek Bhide, Regional President, India and Group Transformation Officer, John Cockerill, said the defence sector is critical to national security. “And therefore, it is important to encourage and develop India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. This JV aims to equip India’s armed forces with advanced defence solutions for diverse and challenging combat environments. Importantly, it also answers the ‘Make in India’ call in a sector where India is working to embellish its global credentials,” he said.
 
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Ashwin said:
World’s top turret-making company to manufacture in India. Signs joint venture for light tanks’ turrets

New Delhi: Belgium-based John Cockerill Defense, one of the world’s top turret-making companies, has tied up with an Indian firm to manufacture, assemble and commission the critical component for the Indian Army’s Indian Light Tank (I.L.T) programme, Project Zorawar.

The company has formed a 60:40 joint venture with Indian firm Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd to manufacture turrets in Chakan, Pune.

This will be the first time that the Belgium company will set up a manufacturing facility for turrets outside its country.
The DRDO and private firm L&T have come up with the Zorawar light tank, which is currently undergoing tests in-house.

For the tank, L&T used the John Cockerill turret.

Under Project Zorawar, the Indian Army will buy 59 light tanks if found satisfactory, and then L&T will compete with other firms for a larger order.

The initial demand of the Army is roughly 350 light tanks to take on the Chinese in the mountainous borders.

“The joint venture that we have is not limited to just the 59 light tanks. Our reading is that the overall demand will be much higher than 350 … Moreover, as the joint venture stabilises, we will look at other programmes of the Indian Army—like the Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) and the futuristic main battle tank called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV),” Thierry Renaudin, Chief Executive Officer, John Cockerill Defense, said in the national capital responding to a query by ThePrint.

Project Zorawar, he said, is not just limited to manufacturing the light tanks for Indian orders but eventually making them at the Chakan plant and exporting them around the world.

Ingrid Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director, Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (India) Pvt Ltd, said the company plans to roll out the first India-made turret in 2027.

The company has made the launchers for the Akash Next Generation, and the same, along with the hydraulics for the Indian Advanced Towed Artillery Gun (ATAGS), are under trial.


Ashley Rasquinha, Joint Managing Director of the Indian firm, said the joint venture would look at exports, as the John Cockerill executive pointed out that the company already sells turrets to nearly half a dozen countries.

Vivek Bhide, Regional President, India and Group Transformation Officer, John Cockerill, said the defence sector is critical to national security. “And therefore, it is important to encourage and develop India’s defence manufacturing capabilities. This JV aims to equip India’s armed forces with advanced defence solutions for diverse and challenging combat environments. Importantly, it also answers the ‘Make in India’ call in a sector where India is working to embellish its global credentials,” he said.
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Gonna be weird if Kalyani also chooses Cockerill, and the remaining American propulsion stuff.
 
Ashwin said:
Kalyani is making their own turret. Their FICV is now under high altitude trials with 30mm gun turret.
Click to expand...

I was referring to Kalyani's light tank.

L&T, Kalyani, and OFB will be competing for the main order. Zorawar, Kalyani's version, and Russia's Sprut are in the fray.
 
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randomradio said:
I was referring to Kalyani's light tank.

L&T, Kalyani, and OFB will be competing for the main order. Zorawar, Kalyani's version, and Russia's Sprut are in the fray.
Click to expand...
I would want to ask one thing why aren't militaries going for 120mm smoothbores for their light tanks. Is it because of ammo capacity??
 
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randomradio said:
I was referring to Kalyani's light tank.

L&T, Kalyani, and OFB will be competing for the main order. Zorawar, Kalyani's version, and Russia's Sprut are in the fray.
Click to expand...
I was referring to turret. Kalyani will be using their own design.
 
Lolwa said:
I would want to ask one thing why aren't militaries going for 120mm smoothbores for their light tanks. Is it because of ammo capacity??
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Sprut has the T-90's 125mm. You can indeed go for a bigger gun, but it's not necessary for a light tank that's been designed to support the infantry.

The alternative is a wheeled gun that Hellfire supports, but it has far too many disadvantages, especially in the terrain it's expected to operate in.
 
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