Defence & SecurityImportant2024-12-13

Successful High-Altitude Trials of Zorawar Light Tank

In News

What Happened

In December 2024, India's indigenously developed Zorawar Light Tank successfully completed rigorous high-altitude trials at Nyoma in Eastern Ladakh, at elevations exceeding 13,800 feet. Developed jointly by the DRDO and Larsen & Toubro, the 25-tonne amphibious combat vehicle successfully demonstrated critical mobility, firepower, and protection capabilities. During these tests, the tank also showcased its air-transportability, a vital feature for rapid deployment to forward sectors.

Why It Matters

This milestone significantly boosts India's armored warfare capabilities in the Himalayas, directly answering the challenge posed by Chinese Type 15 light tanks along the Line of Actual Control. It also serves as a major validation of the 'Make in India' initiative in critical defense manufacturing, reducing reliance on foreign hardware for specialized mountain warfare.

Background

History & Context

Following the April 2020 border standoff in Eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army realized the operational limitations of deploying heavy 45-68 tonne Main Battle Tanks like the T-72 and T-90 in rugged mountainous terrains. To counter the swift deployment of China's agile Type 15 light tanks, the Indian Army initiated 'Project Zorawar', named after the 19th-century Dogra military commander General Zorawar Singh. Subsequently, the Defence Acquisition Council approved the rapid procurement and indigenous development of 25-tonne class light tanks, leading to the joint DRDO-L&T prototype unveiled and tested by 2024.

What Changed

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High-Altitude Mobility: BEFORE, India relied on heavy MBTs (T-72/T-90) that suffered from sluggish maneuverability and severe engine power degradation in the thin mountain air. NOW, the 25-tonne Zorawar offers a superior power-to-weight ratio engineered specifically to maintain agility and engine performance in steep Himalayan terrain.
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Strategic Deployment Speed: BEFORE, moving armored columns to the Line of Actual Control required immense logistical effort, restrictive road networks, and prolonged timelines. NOW, Zorawar's lightweight design allows it to be easily airlifted by IAF transport aircraft directly into forward landing grounds like Nyoma.
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Riverine Combat Capability: BEFORE, crossing high-altitude water bodies was a logistical nightmare for standard heavy tanks. NOW, Zorawar is built with amphibious capabilities, allowing it to autonomously navigate critical riverine sectors like the Pangong Tso lake to counter adversary deployments.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This real-world engineering challenge connects to Class 11 Physics (Chapter 6: Work, Energy and Power), specifically the concept of 'power-to-weight ratio'. In tank design, a high power-to-weight ratio ensures the vehicle's engine can deliver sufficient power to overcome the force of gravity on steep inclines, maintaining agility and speed even when atmospheric oxygen is low at 13,800 feet.

Practice Questions

Q1

With Reference To

With reference to the Zorawar Light Tank, consider the following statements: 1. It is an amphibious combat vehicle jointly developed by the DRDO and Larsen & Toubro. 2. It was primarily designed to replace India's aging fleet of heavy Arjun Main Battle Tanks in the western desert sectors. 3. The development of the tank was expedited to counter the deployment of Chinese Type 15 tanks along the Line of Actual Control. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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