ARMOUR ON THE ATTACK

The Zorawar light tank will boost the army's combat capability in mountainous terrain

- ATUL CHANDRA

The Indian Army could soon see the light at the end of the tunnel in its quest for a light tank suited for combat operations in mountainous regions. The army envisaged a critical need for an agile and mobile light armoured platform with adequate firepower, protection, surveillance, and communication capabilities to operate in the modern battlespace. The incorporation of such a weapon system within the fighting formations of the army, with the versatility to undertake operations in varying terrain such as High Altitude Areas (HAA), marginal terrain (Rann) or for amphibious operations, etc, will significantly boost its combat potential. With rising border tensions, a modern light tank with adequate firepower and protection is much needed for the army to operate in any current/future threat spectrum and to support combat operations as a weapon system. The tactical/ operational/strategic mobility of such a weapon system is also enhanced due to its ability to be rapidly deployed where needed.

Urgent Need

The need for a light tank better suited for operations at high altitudes arose with the flaring up of border tensions with China following the Galwan clashes in mid-2020.