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LIGHT TANK ZORAWAR
FOR HIGH
ALTITUDE COMBAT
SARASIJ
MAJUMDER
FEATURES:-
- India's
very own light tank is expected to be ready for induction in the Army by
2027.
- It
is designed under 'Project
Zorawar' for high-altitude warfare in places like Eastern Ladakh
and Arunachal Pradesh.
·
The Zorawar Light Tank, weighing 25 tons, has
been developed jointly by the DRDO and Larsen and Toubro (L&T).
·
It is specifically engineered to navigate steep
mountains and to cross water bodies such as rivers. The tank's rubber track
system enhances its capability to operate in high-altitude areas, which are
challenging for heavier main battle tanks.
- Each
tank weighs around 25 tonnes with a high power-to-weight ratio as well as
superior firepower and protection.
TARGET CHINA
- The
need for such tanks has been driven home by the continuing military
confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, which is into its fifth year
now.
- The
development of 'Zorawar' is being seen to be aimed at countering China's
deployment of tanks of the same categories. The Army planned to procure
light tanks equipped with adequate firepower for deployment in
high-altitude areas with an aim to enhance agility, manoeuvrability and
operational capability.
- The
over 11-lakh strong Army had managed to deploy some of its heavier
Russian-origin T-90S and T-72 main-battle tanks (40 to 50 tonne each) in
eastern Ladakh after the confrontation with China erupted in May 2020. The
artillery units of the Army have already deployed K-9 Vajra Tracked
Self-Propelled Howitzers, Pinaka rocket systems and Dhanush gun systems
along the frontier with China.
- The
T-90S and T-72 tanks, however, are geared for operations in plains and
deserts, and thereby have limitations in high-altitude areas ranging from
11,000 to almost 17,000-feet, where India has to operate.
- Indian
Army has taken a series of measures
since the Galwan Valley clashes in Eastern Ladakh to enhance its combat
capabilities.
- It
deployed a significant number of easily transportable M-777 ultralight
howitzers in mountainous regions along the LAC, including in Arunachal
Pradesh. The M-777s can be
transported quickly in Chinook helicopters.
- The
PLA also inducted a large number of technologically advanced mix of medium
and light tanks, including the new third-generation Type-15 ones.
GETTING READY
- Developed
by DRDO and private sector company L&T, it will have to undergo a
series of summer and winter trials, including in deserts and high-altitude
areas, over the next two to three years before the entire acquisition,
production and induction process can actually begin.
·
The initial internal trials of the tank took
place at a facility in Hazira, Gujarat, within less than two years after the ambitious
project was sanctioned, as learned from reliable sources. The Indian Army is
looking at deploying over 350 light tanks, mostly in the mountainous border
areas.
- The
light tank should be ready for induction, after "developmental and
user (Army) trials", by 2027, DRDO chairperson Samir Kamat confirmed.
LARGE ORDER
- The
Army's case for 354 such tanks, which will cost an estimated Rs 17,500
crore, was given preliminary approval or “acceptance of necessity” by the
Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisitions Council in Dec 2022.
WHY IT’S SPECIAL
- “Due
to its lighter weight, the tank has high strategic mobility. It can be
transported by air and is capable of amphibious operations. It can fire at
high angles of elevation and perform the role of limited artillery,” an
official told TOI.
- The
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed an
innovative rubber track system for the Zorawar Light Tank. This rubber track system is a
significant innovation amidst the traditional steel track designs equipped
with detachable rubber pads equipped on MBTs like the Arjun MK-1A and
other international designs. The rubber tracks provide several advantages
in high-altitude regions, including improved manoeuvrability and traction
on the difficult hard and grainy terrains.
- The
Zorawar Light Tank project is part of the Indian Army's efforts to enhance
its rapid deployment and manoeuvrability in high-altitude regions,
particularly in response to security situations in remote and inaccessible
areas.
- The tank is named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar
Singh. The Indian Army plans to induct the Zorawar Light Tanks by
2027.
- The
development of the Zorawar Light Tank is a significant advancement for the
Indian armed forces stationed along the border with China in Ladakh. The
tank's rubber track system, along with other features, will contribute to
bolstering the Indian Army's mountain warfare capabilities.
WHAT EMERGE:
SOURCES:-
1.0 https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/light-tank-zorawar-goes-through-test-trial-likely-to-be-inducted-into-army-by-2027/article68375205.ece
3.0 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-unveils-indigenous-light-tank-zorawar/article68375255.ece
4.0https://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/india-unveils-light-battle-tank-zorawar-for-ladakh-like-terrain/articleshow/111542758.cms
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