Defense Business and Industry

Zorawar Trials Begin Sept 2025, Indigenous higher performance engine in works

India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed developmental trials for the indigenous Zorawar Light Tank, designed specifically for high-altitude warfare, with user trials scheduled to begin in September 2025 and full induction expected by 2027. This 25-ton tank, developed in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro, demonstrates India’s increasing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, especially in response to challenges faced during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The Zorawar features advanced capabilities including a 105mm Cockerill turret, enhanced mobility for rugged terrains, and rapid deployability confirmed by successful airlift tests. Additionally, the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment is developing an 800-horsepower indigenous engine to further enhance the Zorawar’s performance, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign engines and increase operational reliability. The collaborative efforts in developing the powertrain signify a crucial step toward achieving greater self-sufficiency in armored vehicle production, which will also improve logistics and design flexibility for the Indian Army. Overall, these advancements not only bolster India’s defense capabilities along the Line of Actual Control with China but also represent a significant milestone in the nation’s strategic defense initiatives.

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