Hajira: In a significant boost to Indian forces, premier defence research agency Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are at an advanced stage of trials of the indigenous Light Tank Zorawar.
DRDO chief Dr Samir V Kamat reviewed the progress made in the project at the Larsen and Toubro plant at Hajira in Gujarat.
Developed in a record two years for high-altitude areas of Ladakh, the tank is testimony to Indian progress in indigenous manufacturing.
The DRDO and L&T have integrated USVs to loiter munitions in the tank.
The light tank Zorawar is 25 tonnes in weight. It is the first time a fresh tank has been designed and made ready for trials in such a short time.
59 of these tanks will be provided to the Army initially, and it will be a frontrunner for the major programme of 295 more of these armoured vehicles.
The Indian Air Force can supply two tanks at a time in the C-17 class transport aircraft, as the tanks are light and can be run at high speeds in mountain valleys.
The trials are expected to be completed in the next 12-18 months and be ready for induction.
Even though the first ammunition is coming from Belgium, the DRDO is ready to develop the ammunition indigenously.
