Indian Zorawar tank outperforms Russian T‑90s in Ladakh tests
The Indian Zorawar tank has successfully passed tests in extreme conditions in Ladakh, where the Russian T-90s failed, reports the Ukrainian portal Defense Express.
Development of the Zorawar tank has been ongoing in India since 2020, when authorities in New Delhi were in talks with the Russian Federation about purchasing military equipment. It was indicated that India was interested in light Sprut SDM1 tanks with 125 mm calibre guns.
Ultimately, however, India decided to develop a domestic tank project. The Zorawar as it was named, proved to be valuable equipment for the manufacturer in the context of enhancing India's combat capabilities and intriguing for Russia. During the Dubai Airshow 2023, the Russian Federation expressed interest in the Indian tank. Now, as reported by Defense Express, India is not stopping the development of the machine and has announced the successful completion of tank tests.
Successful test of the Indian tank
The Indian Zorawar tank, designed for combat in difficult conditions, successfully passed tests in Ladakh, at an altitude of over 4,200 metres. These tests, as reported by Defence-Una, confirmed its reliability and precision. This is the second phase of trials following earlier tests in the desert conducted in September.
Zorawar, weighing approximately 25,000 kilograms, uses proven technologies, including the chassis from the Korean K9 howitzer and a Cummins engine with 760 horsepower. The tank's turret comes from the Belgian manufacturer Cockerill. The Indian company Larsen & Toubro is responsible for the final assembly, highlighting the local contribution to the project.
The decision to develop the Zorawar was made after the failures of the Russian T-90s in Ladakh. India plans to purchase 350 units, 59 of which have already been ordered. The tank is expected to compete with the Chinese Type 15, which is slightly heavier and more numerous. Zorawar aims to meet the needs of the Indian army in the region.
