Why in the News?

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar, a versatile platform designed for high-altitude deployment. During field tests in desert terrain, the tank performed exceptionally well, meeting all set objectives. In this initial phase, the tank’s firing capabilities were thoroughly assessed and met the accuracy requirements on specified targets.

Indian Light Tank Zorawar

• It is a highly versatile tank capable of deployment in high-altitude areas.
• Developed By: Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd.
• Weighing 25 tonnes, this tank can move at high speed in mountain valleys and two tanks can be transported at a time by the Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft.
• Learning from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, DRDO and L & T have integrated USV and loitering munition in it.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chairman: Samir V Kamat
• It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
• Objective: Develop and produce technology and equipment for defense applications.
• Key Areas: Includes missile systems, radar technology, naval systems, combat vehicles.
• Notable Projects
  • Agni - Intercontinental ballistic missiles
  • Prithvi - Surface-to-surface ballistic missiles
  • Tejas - Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
  • Pinaka - Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher
  • Akash - Air Defence System
  • BrahMos - Supersonic cruise missile
  • NAG - Anti-tank guided missile

Logo of DRDO