Zorawar LT

The Zorawar (Literally Strong in Punjabi) is an Indian light tank. It is a cross between an armoured fighting vehicle and a light tank (AFV-ILT), with a high power-to-weight ratio and substantial firepower, protection, surveillance and communication capabilities. It was designed to provide the Indian Army with the versatility to execute operations in varying terrain against diverse threats and equipment profiles of its adversaries. The tank is named for the 19th century Dogra General Zorawar Singh Light tanks have got renewed focus and interest in recent times, primarily due to flaring security situations in remote and inaccessible areas (2020-2022 India China skirmishes). In the extreme high altitudes of Ladakh, it is very difficult to operate medium tanks, like T-72 and T-90, or heavy/Main Battle Tanks like Arjun Mk1/Arjun Mk2 which were neither built nor equipped to handle the harsh conditions. There are various challenges in operating at high altitudes. Conventional military platforms like tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), self propelled artillery etc. are not always able to generate enough power to maneuver due to rarefied air and lack of oxygen, or, face other logistical and operational challenges. This was seen in US invasion of Afghanistan, Operation Meghdoot, India Pakistan Siachen Conflict, Kargil War, and now again with Galwan Conflict. Deploying such platforms in extreme altitudes require special modifications, special types of fuel, etc. which further puts stress on the logistics of the sector. In fact, the K9 Vajra self propelled howitzers that India deployed in Ladakh and Leh in response to Chinese incursions and aggressions had to be specially modified, so that they could function properly in the high altitudes. Also, the Indian Army found out, that the Chinese side had deployed Type 15 tank, which had significant advantage over the assets Indian Army was fielding at the extreme heights of Galwan valley. This project of Light Tanks has been named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, who led 1841 Military Expedition to Kailash Mansrovar during Dogra–Tibetan War.