New Delhi: The Indian Army’s Zorawar light tank programme is facing fresh design challenges as the force seeks enhanced armour protection for the high-altitude combat vehicle, potentially increasing its weight and requiring changes to its powerpack.
The Zorawar was conceived as a highly mobile tank of around 25 tonnes for deployment in mountainous areas such as eastern Ladakh. The requirement emerged after the 2020 border standoff, which highlighted the difficulties of operating heavier T-72 and T-90 tanks at high altitudes.
The Army is now seeking substantially higher protection levels. The proposed upgrade could raise frontal protection from STANAG 4569 Level 4 to Level 6, while side and rear protection could also be strengthened. Such additions, along with an active protection system, could significantly increase the vehicle’s weight.
The tank currently uses a 750-horsepower engine. If its weight approaches 30 tonnes or more, maintaining adequate mobility in thin mountain air could require a more powerful 900–1,000 hp engine.
The changes could extend testing and integration timelines. The initial Zorawar requirement covers 59 tanks being developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, while a larger follow-on procurement is being pursued through private industry.
A possible approach could involve retaining the original configuration for the first batch while incorporating enhanced protection and powerplant changes into subsequent production, allowing the Army to balance immediate operational requirements with longer-term survivability needs.
