Zorawar Light Tank May Require Major Redesign to Meet Army Protection Demands — The Indian Army is seeking improved armour and survivability for the indigenous Zorawar light tank, creating a difficult balance between protection and mobility. Designed for mountainous terrain and operations near the Line of Actual Control, the 25-tonne platform currently uses a 760-horsepower Cummins engine. Additional armour could increase its weight considerably, potentially requiring a stronger powerpack and further qualification trials. The Army is reportedly considering protection against 30mm armour-piercing ammunition, along with enhanced side and rear protection. These changes may delay the original induction schedule from 2027 to 2028–29. The programme emerged after the 2020 India-China confrontation in eastern Ladakh. The planned fleet comprises 354 tanks, although future procurement arrangements and final configurations remain important factors in the programme’s progress.
