Zorawar: What is special about India's first indigenous light tank? Meaning behind the name, weapons and more
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised how the India-Belgium ties have expanded into defence, highlighting their collaboration on the Zorawar tank. Here's why it is important.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed India's first indigenous light tank, Zorawar, during talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in New Delhi. The tank was developed in just 19 months and is designed for high-altitude warfare in the Himalayas. At around 25 tonnes, Zorawar is lighter than the Type 15 but still comparable in firepower.
It features a Belgian John Cockerill 3105 turret with a 105mm rifled gun, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station. Zorawar can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h and has a range of 450 km. It is also equipped with twin launchers for Nag Mk2 anti-tank guided missiles. The tank's name honors General Zorawar Singh, a 19th-century Dogra Army general.
Prototypes have completed high-altitude trials in Nyoma, Ladakh, and have successfully fired rounds. India has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks, with a total requirement of 354 tanks. The government has approved a requirement for seven regiments of light tanks, with induction expected in 2027.
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