The Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) has partnered with Ashok Leyland to develop an advanced 800 HP diesel engine specifically for the Zorawar light tank, aimed at enhancing India’s indigenous defense capabilities against rising threats along the Line of Actual Control. This new engine, designed for high-altitude operations, will feature sophisticated technologies such as a turbocharger and a dry-sump lubrication system to ensure reliability under challenging conditions. The timeline targets mid-2026 for bench testing, with long-term goals to replace imported engines in prototypes. This initiative is crucial not only for bolstering India’s military readiness but also for fostering self-reliance in defense production, thereby addressing strategic vulnerabilities posed by adversarial deployments in contested areas.