Indian Light Tank: News & Discussion

[VishnuS]

A genuine question - the Light Tank will of course be a cheaper vehicle to procure than a Medium or Large MBT. Apparently will have a decent armour suite and an engine which is designed to work in the hot/high conditions.

1 - How difficult will it be to adapt such a tank to 'desert'/ jungle warfare
2 - Will countries like Argentina/Phillipines/ Armenia / African countries etc benefit from such a tank using the old soviet doctrine of ' power in numbers' - I am considering that for the price of two MBT's we could probably field 3 Light tanks?
3 - With advanced armour, something like the Trophy system , and a couple of mounted rockets will this make a good sell for countries which need replacement for the older T series and equivalent tanks?

Will it make sense then for L&T, Tata, Kalyani, AL etc to pitch these tanks - irrespective of the IA orders - to such countries and break even on costs?

The term light indicate lack of armour protection

[rrao]

ZORAWAR light tank uses US-origin Engine and Belgian GUN as per WION !!!

[Pratyush]

With the development of both 600 and 1500 hp engine. I think we can develop our own engine for this application as well.

[Manish_P]

ZORAWAR light tank uses US-origin Engine and Belgian GUN as per WION !!!

That has been known for some time

The Turret system - https://johncockerillda.com/products-se ... rill-3105/

Engine - Cummins?

[fanne]

There is some confusion on the engine, coul be German MTU.

Light tank in Himalayas is for region where heavy tank cannot go. If a geography supports both medium/heavy and light tank, having a light tank is like committing suicide, it does not stand any chance against the medium tanks. So you don't want to use them in deserts.

At many places in Himalayas the choice is between a light tank or no tank. Zorawar is filling that niche. Not sure what the survivability of these tanks are looking at UK rain war. Even medium to heavy tanks are vulnerable. Like Black top or bump in Ladakh, a 20 ton can be dropped there. T-90s cannot reach there, so you have some armour to fight.

[Manish_P]

There is some confusion on the engine, coul be German MTU.
..

Yes sir. I read earlier that the Rolls Royce connection could be an issue. And Strykers are Cummins powered i think...

Not sure what the survivability of these tanks are looking at UK rain war. Even medium to heavy tanks are vulnerable.

True. Light tanks will be more vulnerable to ATGMs and Drone attacks (even 30mm cannon fire can inflict mission kills if it destroys the tracks)

(Incidentally at high altitudes the drones themselves might need to have bigger engines - so they might have to be bigger sized or their payload will have to be reduced).

But as you say below...

T-90s cannot reach there, so you have some armour to fight.

[Prem Kumar]

What we are seeing in Ukraine is that the Western Tank concept of Hit Survivability has taken a hit

Against drones, tanks cannot hide and cannot survive hits, especially top-attack & multiple hits

So, neither the Russian hit-avoidance nor the Western hit-survivability tactic is feasible. We need hit-resistance: active protection systems and anti-drone soft + hard-kill options

In that sense, a light-tank but equipped with APS (against MANPATGMs, RPGs, Heli-launched anti-tank missiles) + anti-drone systems will do well in Ladakh. It will not survive an APFSDS round, but there are no medium/heavy tanks in that region to fire such a round against the Zorawar

Plus tanks are great to penetrate & hold territory and support Infantry. In Ladakh, there are no high-density urban settings for shoot-n-scoot by the enemy infantry. And only limited areas where a Chinese helicopter-gunship can fly undetected, take a shot & escape

So, the prospects do look good!

[Manish_P]

^ +1. Concisely put.

[Kartik]

There is some confusion on the engine, coul be German MTU.

Light tank in Himalayas is for region where heavy tank cannot go. If a geography supports both medium/heavy and light tank, having a light tank is like committing suicide, it does not stand any chance against the medium tanks. So you don't want to use them in deserts.

At many places in Himalayas the choice is between a light tank or no tank. Zorawar is filling that niche. Not sure what the survivability of these tanks are looking at UK rain war. Even medium to heavy tanks are vulnerable. Like Black top or bump in Ladakh, a 20 ton can be dropped there. T-90s cannot reach there, so you have some armour to fight.

There's no confusion about the engine. It's from Cummins.

Germany screwed up by delaying BAFA approvals for the MTU engine which led to DRDO and L&T taking the call to dump MTU and go with Cummins instead.

[ShauryaT]

Hope this was not posted before. Informative discussion on Zorawar.

[Mukesh.Kumar]

Hope this was not posted before. Informative discussion on Zorawar.

ShauryaT, thanks for posting. Was quite informative. not only from PoV of Zorawar, but the DPP also.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/ajitkdubey/status/1834582775200121277 --> Kal hi ki baat hai, dheere dheere chalta tha, aaj ye Gole barsa raha hai. Great job @DRDO_India and @larsentoubro

VIDEO: https://x.com/AdithyaKM_/status/1834585136320688513 --> First phase of field firing trials of DRDO L&T Zorawar Light Tank was successfully carried out by DRDO.

[Rakesh]

I don't know why Dubey-ji has to be in the picture. Minus that, drag this picture into a new window to see actual size.

https://x.com/ajitkdubey/status/1834576926062924109 ---> Zorawar aag ugal raha hai.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/sneheshphilip/status/1834586301204513104 ---> The development of the light tank in such short frame of time is remarkable and worthy of being studied and implemented in other projects. L&T even completed deliveries of Vajra 3 months before contract deadline.

India’s Light Tank Zorawar Completes 1st Trial By Fire
https://www.livefistdefence.com/indias- ... l-by-fire/
13 Sept 2024

[SRajesh]

^^^ only issue Rakesh is
Post BRICS and Putinwa/NaMo one to one Chinese maybe cool down
Then the whole thing will be put in cold storage by the Import Bahadurs
5 years later whole thing will kick off again

[Manish_P]

Or if the PLA moves and stations some heavy tanks there...

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/rahulsinghx/status/1834804879358841268 ---> The light tank’s 105mm gun fired smoothly & the next set of trials will involve missile firing. DRDO is expected to wrap up various trials by January 2025 before Zorawar is offered to the army for extensive user trials. Induction planned in 2027.

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/DefSysCI/status/1835316330079162370 ---> This cut-out of the light tank Zorawar reveals a rear engine layout with certain familiar features, such as a nose fuel tank and its access port dug inside the glacis, similar to the Arjun MBT. Currently, indigenous substitutes to the imported turret and gun are being worked upon. In June 2024, the Weapon Systems (Tank and Artillery Guns) division of DRDO's ARDE released tenders related to forging of a gun barrel. The dimensions of the forged article were ideal for a 105mm gun. Earlier, ARDE had issued an EOI for the development of a 105mm caliber FSAPDS. Also, consider that CVRDE has taken up a comprehensive project for the development of automotive vetronics for futuristic armoured vehicles, which includes a manned turret 'for high altitude operations.' TASL and Paras Defence have qualified for the technical evaluation process. Additionally, DRDO's Chief, Dr. Samir V Kamat, has already mentioned that DRDO will be indigenizing the remaining "critical systems" of the Zorawar by the time it is ready for production. Interview URL (timestamped): https://youtube.com/watch?v=J1Jmu_z5g34&t=712s

[Prem Kumar]

One thing that stood out in the Zorawar firing videos, which many Tweeples pointed out, is the amazing stability of the tank when firing its main gun

Compared to this, the Chinese Type 15 tank behaves as if it hit a Bangalore pothole

It speaks superbly of both the gun & the suspension. DRDO, when it comes out with its homegrown gun, has a high benchmark to beat. Which I am sure they will, because one of the many things Arjun is known for, is its suspension & high gun accuracy even while on the move

[Manish_P]

Noob question.

How many zorawars would fit in a C-17. Two?

[ernest]

Noob question.

How many zorawars would fit in a C-17. Two?

at least 2. The weight capacity of C-17 is 85 tons, which is enough for 3 x 25 tons of Zorawar. It has floor capacity to fit in 3 as well.
It can move 3 bradleys (also 25 tons), so will be possible to carry 3 Zorawars.
https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraf ... raft_id=33

However, we would be airlifting them very high altitude areas, where the effective capacity will be lower, but might not be an issue for landing. takeoff with 3 zorawars will be difficult from high altitude bases.

So at least 2, 3 in some cases.

[Manish_P]

at least 2. The weight capacity of C-17 is 85 tons, which is enough for 3 x 25 tons of Zorawar. It has floor capacity to fit in 3 as well.
It can move 3 bradleys (also 25 tons), so will be possible to carry 3 Zorawars.
https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraf ... raft_id=33

However, we would be airlifting them very high altitude areas, where the effective capacity will be lower, but might not be an issue for landing. takeoff with 3 zorawars will be difficult from high altitude bases.

Thanks. 2 is very good. 3 will be great

PS: maybe in future we can have C-5 type very heavy lifters

[Rakesh]

https://x.com/livefist/status/1867262791545155832 ---> Indian Light Tank (ILT) Zorawar achieves test milestone by firing rounds with accuracy at different ranges at an altitude of more than 4200m in Ladakh.

[Rakesh]

Accelerating Self-Reliance: The Success Story Behind Zorawar’s High-Altitude Trials
https://bharatshakti.in/accelerating-se ... de-trials/
27 Dec 2024

[Manish_P]

^ The IA is ordering how many of these. Had heard the number 300 mentioned sometime back. Have confirmed orders been placed?

This product has tremendous export potential too.

We should run combo offers - Order 10 of these, get an ATAGs free

[Rakesh]

I believe the planned induction of light tanks is around 354 tanks.

Zorawar will get a confirmed order of 59 tanks and then the MoD will hold a contest (with other vendors) to determine if Zorawar should win the order for the next batch of 295 tanks.

[Manish_P]

Thanks, Rakesh ji

[srai]

I believe the planned induction of light tanks is around 354 tanks.

Zorawar will get a confirmed order of 59 tanks and then the MoD will hold a contest (with other vendors) to determine if Zorawar should win the order for the next batch of 295 tanks.

It just shows that the IA has no confidence in IDDM product.

After 59 tanks production completes, the lines will sit idle for many years while some foreign designs MII are explored.

The MII option will eventually go nowhere after wasting many many years. So would the IDDM having its production shuttered for all along. Decades would have gone by.

Then new capabilities are requested. And so the cycle of indecision continues

[srai]

^^^
For some reason, the IA doesn’t seem to take-in lessons of Russian-Ukrainian’s millions of kamikazi drones warfare and their devastation on armored vehicles.

China is on the path to production of millions of such drones.

Losses should be expected. Quantities are required. Continuous production base need to be established to overcome losses and sustain the fighting capacities.

[Rakesh]

Losses should be expected.

India is paving the way for a humiliating loss vis-a-viv China.

And this loss will come not as a result of a lack of courage or the will to fight, but the sheer desire to continue to import the next greatest toy. Has no desire whatsoever to leverage the advantages of a local, home grown product.

The whole lot of them are corrupted. And shamelessly hide behind the uniform to justify their imports. Playing games with national security to massage their mighty egos.

And shame to most of the defence reporters and some defence enthusiasts/watchers who ass kiss these Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals...just so they can get continued access for information to write their articles.

The next time the senior leadership of the military talks about Atmanirbhar Bharat, they need to be laughed out of the room.

[Tanaji]

India is paving the way for a humiliating loss vis-a-viv China.

And this loss will come not as a result of a lack of courage or the will to fight, but the sheer desire to continue to import the next greatest toy. Has no desire whatsoever to leverage the advantages of a local, home grown product.

The whole lot of them are corrupted. And shamelessly hide behind the uniform to justify their imports. Playing games with national security to massage their mighty egos.

And shame to most of the defence reporters and some defence enthusiasts/watchers who ass kiss these Generals, Admirals and Air Marshals...just so they can get continued access for information to write their articles.

The next time the senior leadership of the military talks about Atmanirbhar Bharat, they need to be laughed out of the room.

100% true. On the China front, the only saving Grace will be that it will be very difficult for China to maintain any territory gained on the plains, so net territory lost will not be much. But they will definitely occupy all the peaks putting us at a massive disadvantage. We are out matched on drones, aircraft of sll types and sheer logistics that the Chinese can bring to bear inspite of the disadvantageous terrain for them. On each of these, both the IA and IAF brass have criminally neglected their urgent needs for pie in the sky demands like a spoilt brat.

On Pak front things may be better but not by much. They will be gifted drones and I strongly suspect the PN will be gifted UAVs for which our navy has no counter. We will barely save our face on this front.

BJP has utterly disappointed on this score and Modi has forgotten his prime duty in quest for votes. The freebies to win an election have to come from somewhere and this is where they have come from.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/AjayshreeSamby3/status/18 ... 2010961192 ---> "If you can't convince them, confuse them"

[Rakesh]

Poor Belgian Defence Minister has not got the memo yet!

https://x.com/NewsIADN/status/1896900500140052800 ---> Belgium Defence Minister claims "big batch of 700 Zorawar tanks to protect Indian borders" whereas Indian Army has projected a requirement of only 354 light tanks so far.

[Rakesh]

VIDEO: https://x.com/WIONews/status/1896902194299076953 --> Belgium's Defence Minister @FranckenTheo vows to strengthen defence ties with India, including appointing a Defense Attache in New Delhi. He also highlights Belgium's role in providing critical components for the Zorawar tank, in an exclusive conversation with @sidhant.