Army to Induct Zorawar Light Tank by 2028-29, Says Gen Dwivedi

The Indian Army will induct the indigenously developed Zorawar light tank by 2028-29, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said, marking a major milestone for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s multi-year effort to field a next-generation light armoured platform tailored to high-altitude operations.

The induction timeline, announced by the Army’s top serving officer, provides clarity on one of India’s most strategically significant domestic tank development programmes. Zorawar is being built to meet the Mountain Strike Corps’ operational requirements along the northern frontier, where terrain constraints and altitude limit the deployment of heavier main battle tanks like the Arjun.

The light tank project began in earnest around 2015 when DRDO initiated design studies to replace ageing T-72 and T-55 platforms in high-altitude sectors. Zorawar is engineered to weigh under 35 tonnes, enabling rapid induction into mountainous terrain while retaining a 105mm rifled gun and modern fire control systems. The platform prioritises mobility and deployability over the 65-tonne weight bracket occupied by India’s Arjun MBT.

The development has involved multiple technology demonstrations and trials across Ladakh and other strategically sensitive regions. DRDO has tested various subsystems, including the turret integration, gun stabilisation, and engine performance under extreme environmental conditions. The 2028-29 induction timeline suggests prototype validation and user trials are progressing toward production readiness.

Zorawar’s introduction will address a critical capability gap in the Indian Army’s force structure. The Mountain Strike Corps, raised in 2013 specifically for operations along the China border, currently operates older tank variants. Modern, agile light tanks enhance the Corps’ rapid deployment potential across high-altitude, broken terrain where Chinese mechanised formations have historically held an advantage.

The platform aligns with India’s broader Make in India and indigenisation strategy in defence. Full development and production by DRDO and Ordnance Factory Board partnership reduces dependence on foreign acquisition and builds domestic competence in advanced armoured systems. Initial induction is expected to involve at least 100 platforms for the Mountain Strike Corps, with potential scaling based on operational feedback.

Zorawar joins a pipeline of DRDO-led weapon systems aimed at modernising the Indian Army’s combat capability. Its concurrent development alongside the Arjun MK-II upgrade and indigenous artillery systems reflects India’s commitment to building a multi-layered, self-reliant mechanised force capable of sustained high-intensity conflict across all terrain types.