The Zorava tank is about to join the army and arrive at the Chinese border for final testing

symbolic pictures

The Indian Army will soon get the indigenous light tank Zoravar. Its final testing begins in Ladakh from Thursday. It has previously been successfully tested in plains and desert areas. If this test is also successful, the Zorava tank will enter service next year.

The final test of Zorawar will be conducted in the high altitude region of Ladakh from November 21 to December 15. It was previously tested in desert areas and plains of Rajasthan and met the army’s expectations. After successful testing, it will be delivered to the army in 2025.

Get ready to compete with China

After the Galwan violence, China felt the need for Zoravar tanks by deploying its light combat tank ZTQ-15 Panther on the Ladakh border. The army needed light tanks and it took four years for the Zorava to be ready. The tank is jointly built by DRDO and L&T.

Characteristics of the Zorava tank

The tank is fast and equipped with modern weapons such as lasers, machine guns, and anti-tank missiles. It weighs 25 tons, almost half as much as other tanks. It is equipped with a powerful 105mm cannon and can only be operated by three soldiers.

Prepare according to military needs

The Zoravar tank is designed to meet standards of firepower, mobility and protection. It is lightweight and can be deployed by aircraft at high altitudes. The Army has expressed a need for 359 light tanks, but has so far ordered only 59 Zoravar tanks. These tanks will replace the Army’s older T-72 tanks.

Named after the conqueror of Ladakh

The Zoravar tank was named after General Zoravar Singh Kaluliya. General Jowar Singh conquered Ladakh, Tibet and Gilgit Baristan during his Dogra rule. He also served as the governor of Kishtwar.