New Delhi: In a significant advancement for India’s defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian Light Tank, Zorawar, on September 13, 2024. The trials, held in challenging desert terrain, underscored the tank’s versatility and its suitability for deployment in high-altitude areas.
The preliminary field trials focused on assessing the Zorawar’s firing performance. The tank demonstrated exceptional accuracy on designated targets, meeting all the required objectives of the initial phase of testing. This success highlights the tank’s robust design and operational efficiency.
Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO unit, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd., the Zorawar represents a major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing. The project also saw contributions from numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which played a crucial role in the development of various sub-systems, showcasing the country’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the Indian Army, and all industry partners involved for their dedication and successful execution of the trials. He described the achievement as a pivotal step toward India’s goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies.
Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also extended his congratulations to the entire team involved in the Zorawar project. The successful trials mark a significant progression in the development of India’s advanced military capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure.