Lightweight Tank not to be based on K-9 Vajra chassis #indianarmy

Project Zorawar: Light Weight Tank of Indian Army

In April 2021, The Indian Ministry of Defense had issued an official RFI for the phased purchase of 350 next generation light tanks under make in India scheme of DAP-2020. The army wanted a light tank with combat weight not to exceed 25 tons and feature modular and upgradable main gain, secondary armament for anti-air and ground roles with different calibre and remote assisted weapon station. The Army has officially named the Lightweight tank program as Project Zorwar.

Supporting Make-In-India initiative, In March 2022, the lightweight tanks have been moved under the Make-I category of the 2020 Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) by MoD and will be funded by government. The MoD had also given in-principle approval for development of a light tank and the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is expected to accord the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the light tanks soon. DRDO is the lead development agency for the Lightweight Tank in partnership with L&T as Development cum Production Partners (DcPP).

Light Tank design

We have been discussing about the India’s upcoming light weight tank Zorawar, but what was not clear was its design. More information regarding the light tank is about to come out but as the defense expo is nearby. If you have seen our earlier video, we have explained two possible designs for the lightweight tank. The 1st one was based on the K-9 Vajra chassis and another one based on the DRDO’s Next Generation MBT (Next Generation main battle tank) design. Recently, JD Patil, Member of Executive Committee of Management and Advisor (Defence & Smart Technologies) to CEO & MD, L&T, spoke to Business Line regarding the Lightweight Tank.

He said “The development is on at full speed... this is completely ab initio, and not taking Vajra design... except for engine and transmission, everything can be done here. Since the equipment was done here, not as TOT [transfer of technology], a lot of the equipment, running gear, suspension was built to specs. The design is joint effort (DRDO). We are confident that the light tank will roll out on test tracks by the middle of next year.”

The two things which becomes clear from the statement of JD Patil is that the design will be indigenous not based on K-9 Vajra and the tank’s development will be completed by mid of 2023. Next is engine and transmission. The recently appointed Chairman of DRDO S. Kamat has informed that the light tank will be fitted with High Altitude Operable Power pack of 1000hp and capable of firing multiple ammunitions.

The tank is expected to have weight of 35tonne powered by MTU MT883 Ka-500/501 diesel engine delivering over 1100 kW (1500 PS) shaft power with the ten-speed (five forward, five reverse). The same engine is used in western tanks such as Leclarc, Challenger 2E and Merkava MK. 4.

The gun will feature a 105mm gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun along with armour protection of NATO STANAG 4569 Level4. The 105 mm gun to be featured is expected to be made by Belgian firm John Cockerel Defence SA which can fire at a 42-degree elevation, suited for mountain warfare.

Light Tank Design - a Segway for NG-MBT

One more important point, which is worth discussing is that, If DRDO proves its design for the lightweight tank, it will also pave the way for the development of NG-MBT to meet Indian Army’s requirement of 1770 ng-MBT under Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) program. The FRCV is expected to follow the SPV (Special Purpose Vehicles) model similar to IMRH & AMCA program. The tanks are expected to be in medium weight category and will remain in service for next 50 years.

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Music: Eternal Garden - Dan Henig

[Godofschool]

Zorawar tank specifications seems to be eyeing 2 target from single bullet ...army want a highly modernized version that can also be used to test future technology on this ...this way pay the way for fcrv program

[babuvishwass]

NGMBT must have Softkill and Hardkill Active Protection Systems, Anti Drone Systems, Anti Tank Mine Detection Systems and Powerful Engines.

[SQBghost]

Does our T72, T90, ARJUN have APS hardkill AND APS SOFT KILL 🤔AND NIGHT VISSION capability???

[vaibhavkrupakar]

Why engine we struggle so much, tank engine isn't even half as hard as cryogenic engine

[rophiamphu]

So a light tank will use an engine used for heavy mbt???

[rahulsharpshooter]

Tank has become an obsolete weapon in modern warfare 1 MANPAD can destroy the whole tank and turn it into a burning coffin for the crew

[subhasishhore]

Is it amphibious ? India needs amphibious light tank not only to counter China in the mountains, but also to remain prepared against riverine Bangladesh. This is a really good diplomatic opportunity to prepare against Bangladesh.

[Babai_]

S.Korea signs MOU with pakistan for defence technology and equipments. This is the result of India's non-alignment policy. 😧