Defence Ministry To Discuss Army's Request To Purchase 354 “Zorawar” Light Tanks

The Defence Ministry will discuss at a meeting later this week, a significant Army proposal for the creation of light tanks for use along the China border.

According to government sources, the Defence Ministry's high-level meeting will discuss the idea of purchasing 354 of these tanks through Make in India.

The Indian Army has released the specifications for the upcoming “Zorawar” light tank.

The legendary general who led numerous successful victories in Tibet, which is now under Chinese Army control, is honoured by the tank's name.

It is now crucial to introduce light tanks, according to army officials, in order to overcome the limitations of medium battle tanks and equip the Indian Army for all contingencies in High Altitude Areas (HAA), marginal terrain and island territories in addition to its use in the plains, semi-deserts and deserts.

In order to gain tactical surprise over the enemy and put them on the back foot, the Indian Army had to deploy a sizable number of T-72 and T-90 tanks in operational areas.

“Although the tanks can be used in high altitude areas, they were primarily intended for operations in plains and desert terrain. When working in the Rann of Kutch's challenging terrain, they encounter a similar handicap,” an official said.