Zorawar LT
India2024 - Present
The Zorawar is India's indigenous 25-ton light tank jointly developed by DRDO's CVRDE and Larsen & Toubro for high-altitude operations in Ladakh and mountain warfare. Weighing 25 tons (±10%), it features a 105mm John Cockerill 3105 rifled gun with autoloader (12-16 ready rounds), Cummins VTA903E-T760 engine (760hp, planned 1,000hp ACE upgrade), and modular composite armor with titanium body. Length 8.5m, width 3.2m, height approximately 2.3m. Crew of 3. Features include Safran Paseo electro-optical systems for hunter-killer capability, active protection system, laser warning receivers, C-UAS capability, and amphibious capability via water jets. Initial order for 59 units; total requirement 354 tanks at ₹17,500 crore (~$2.1 billion).
Primary Specifications
Main gun
105mm / 120mm
Light tank cannon for mountain warfare
Engine
900 HP
Compact diesel for altitude ops
Weight
25 tonnes
Ultra-light for high-altitude deployment
Speed
70 km/h
Fast and maneuverable
Range
450 km
Good range for light platform
Crew
3
Reduced crew for weight savings
Quick Summary
What's different?
Weighs only 25 tons vs 46-48 tons for T-90, enabling airlift by C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters. Power-to-weight ratio of 30-40 hp/ton ensures mobility at 15,000+ feet altitude. Amphibious for Pangong Tso lake operations. Developed in record 24 months.
Why it matters?
Direct response to 2020 Galwan clash and China's Type 15 light tank deployment. Fills critical capability gap for high-altitude mountain warfare along Line of Actual Control. Demonstrates rapid indigenous development capability.
Real-World Impact
1
High-Altitude Ladakh Operations
Designed to operate at 4,200-5,000m altitudes in Eastern Ladakh where oxygen levels are 40% lower. Engine specifically tuned for thin-air performance. Successfully completed high-altitude trials at Nyoma (4,200m) in December 2024.
2
Strategic Air Mobility
25-ton weight enables transport by IAF C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters for rapid deployment to contested mountain areas. Significantly reduces deployment time compared to road transport.
3
Amphibious Lake Operations
Amphibious capability allows crossing of Pangong Tso and other high-altitude water bodies using water jets. Critical for operations in lake-rich Ladakh terrain.
4
Counter-China Deterrence
Direct response to PLA's Type 15 light tank (33-37 tons) deployed along LAC since 2020. Provides India matching capability for high-altitude armored warfare.
Additional Features
Armor
Composite + ERA
Other key features
Light Tank for Himalayas; amphibious; high altitude optimized
FAQs
1. What is the main armament?
Belgian John Cockerill 3105 turret with 105mm high-pressure rifled gun. Fires APFSDS, HESH, and missile rounds. Autoloader carries 12-16 ready rounds. Secondary: 7.62mm coaxial MG, 12.7mm NSVT in RWS.2. What engine powers it?
3. How does it compare to China's Type 15?
4. What protection systems are included?
5. When will it enter service?
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