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The successful automotive trials of the Zorawar light tank on 13 September 2024 were an important milestone for India's defence sector. Which organisation is responsible for developing this light tank?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Indian Army
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), developed the Zorawar Light Tank. On 13 September 2024, the tank successfully underwent extensive automotive field trials, demonstrating high mobility across diverse terrain conditions.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), developed the Zorawar Light Tank. On 13 September 2024, the tank successfully underwent extensive automotive field trials, demonstrating high mobility across diverse terrain conditions.
Think of a heavy battle tank like a heavy-duty freight truck built for massive loads, while the Zorawar light tank is like a nimble, turbocharged off-road SUVтАФengineered specifically to climb steep, narrow mountain trails and cross water bodies where heavy vehicles would stall or sink.
DRDOLight Tank 'ZORAWAR' тЖТ Defence Research & Development Organisation drives indigenous armor.
Power-to-Weight┬аRatio=Vehicle┬аWeight┬а(tonnes)Engine┬аPower┬а(hp)тАЛ тАФ key indicator of tank mobility and climbing capability
The Zorawar light tank relies on advanced mechanical and automotive engineering principles designed for high-altitude mobility and amphibious operations. Powered by a high power-to-weight ratio engine, it features an automated transmission, dynamic suspension for rugged mountain terrains, and integrated modern sensors and weapons systems designed to operate under extreme cold climatic conditions.
DRDO (specifically CVRDE - Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment) designed the Zorawar light tank in collaboration with L&T.
The tank weighs approximately 25 tonnes, making it air-transportable via C-17 Globemaster aircraft to high-altitude areas.
It is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the famous 19th-century military general who led successful campaigns in Ladakh and Baltistan.
Engineered with amphibious capabilities to navigate high-altitude water bodies like Pangong Tso.
High power-to-weight ratio allows rapid movement in steep mountainous regions.
Air transportable for quick deployment along border areas.
Amphibious design allows crossing of lakes and rivers in high-altitude zones.
Lighter armor protection compared to heavy main battle tanks like T-90 or Arjun.
Deployment in high-altitude mountain battlefields (e.g., Eastern Ladakh).
Rapid insertion and reconnaissance missions along border sectors.
Option B (HAL) primarily develops military aircraft and helicopters (e.g., Tejas, Prachand).
Option C (Indian Army) is the end-user and operational force, not the R&D development organisation.
Option D (BEL) specializes in defense electronics, radars, and avionics, often partnering on systems integrated into DRDO tanks.
A is correct тАФ DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is the primary R&D agency responsible for designing and developing the Zorawar light tank for the Indian Armed Forces.
For competitive exams, remember that land platforms and tanks are typically developed by DRDO (CVRDE lab), air platforms by HAL/DRDO, and electronic/radar systems by BEL.