Light tank testing
India’s indigenous Zolawar light tank is being tested in the high-altitude areas of Ladakh. The Indian light tank “Zoravar” fired several precise rounds in the high altitude areas of Ladakh and achieved fruitful results. Zorawar is designed to counter Chinese deployments and will enhance the mobility of the Indian Army.
Zoravar tanks are manufactured by DRDO and L&T and are used to defeat Chinese ZTQ-15 Panther tanks deployed near the LAC (Line of Actual Control). China has deployed 500 light tanks on one side of the line of actual control. To give a befitting reply, Indian Army’s Zoravar tanks are firing shells at the peaks of Ladakh. Zoravar has a quick mind. Equipped with lasers, machine guns, anti-tank missiles and other weapons.
Will be able to go to the high mountains of Ladakh
Zoravar demonstrated its mettle by firing multiple rounds at multiple ranges at high altitudes of over 4200 meters above sea level with always accurate results. It has conducted the first phase of trials in desert areas in September 2024. Zorawar is designed as a 25-ton armored fighting vehicle. During the test, the Indian Air Force also demonstrated the airlift capabilities of the Zoravar tank. This way, when needed, these tanks can be easily deployed in the high mountains of Ladakh.
Light tank “Zorava” is undergoing testing in Neoma, Ladakh. During the trials, parameters such as firepower, mobility and safety of the light tank were tested. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Larsen & Toubro light tank for the successful high-altitude test.
Who gets the dust first?
This indigenous light combat tank is named after General Zorawar Singh Kaluliya. General Zorawar Singh Kahluria conquered Ladakh, Tibet and Gilgit Baltistan and served as the Governor of Kishtwar (Wazir-e-Wazarat). In 1834, the Dogras under the leadership of Zorawar Singh attacked Ladakh and defeated the enemy with bravery. Warriors who returned to Ladakh after conquering Ladakh, Tibet and Gilgit Baltistan. However, this time he appeared in the form of a tank to face the challenge of China.
The trials of any tank depend on three things. The first is firepower, the second is mobility, and the third is protection. Sources revealed that after these trials are completed, Zoravar will be delivered to the Indian Army next year for user trials. DRDO and L&T are jointly developing the tank.
Tank prototype ready in 4 years
The Indian Army has also learned lessons from the bloody violence in Galwan and doubled its strength in high-altitude areas. Understanding the geographical challenges of Ladakh, India formulated the blueprint for Project Zorawar. In just 4 years, the prototype of the tank was ready and trials began. The Indian Army will procure 359 light tanks to replace the obsolete T-72 tanks. On April 22, 2021, the Indian Army issued a request for information for the purchase of light tanks for the first time. Currently, the Indian Army has ordered the first batch of 59 “Zoravas”.
“Soraval” competes with the Chinese ZTQ-15
China has deployed its third-generation ZTQ-15 (Type 15 tanks) near the Line of Actual Control. The tank weighs 33 tons and is designed for use at high altitudes. In comparison, India currently has T-72 and T-90 tanks, both weighing more than 40 tons. Deploying them in mountainous areas is a difficult task.
Zorawar is India’s first light tank designed for deployment in high altitude areas:
#DRDO has prepared the mountain tank “Zorawar” which weighs 25 tons which is half the weight of existing tanks in India. #It has artillery of 105mm caliber or above. #It features modular explosive reactive armor and active protection systems. #There are also technologies such as anti-aircraft guns, drone integration, and artificial intelligence. #Can also be transported by air. #Only three people are needed to run it.
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