Indiska lätta stridsvagnen Zorawar LT

[vikingman]

Indien har tagit fram den lätta stridsvagnen Zorawar LT speciellt anpassad för Himalayas höjder. Den är utrustad med det belgiska Cockerill 3105 tornet med en 105 mm kanon som tar NATO:s standardammunition. Automatladdaren tar dock bara 12 st projektiler. Eldröret kan lutas 42 grader uppåt och 10 grader nedåt. Vikten på stridsvagnen är 25 ton. Besättning: 3 man. En första beställning på 59 st är gjord.

Zorawar LT
 

 

Edited July 27, 2024 by vikingman

[vikingman]

India’s Zorawar light tank to undergo refinements following high-altitude trials

The Zorawar light tank, designed specifically for operations in high-altitude environments, is poised for additional enhancements following comprehensive testing carried out by the Indian Army.
These recommendations are informed by the critical data and insights obtained during the trials, with the objective of maximizing the tank’s effectiveness in high-altitude combat situations, particularly in areas such as Ladakh.
 

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The enhancements will concentrate on improving the tank’s mobility, firepower, and survivability in demanding high-altitude conditions. The objective is to ensure that the Zorawar is proficient in traversing difficult terrains while also being adaptable enough to confront a variety of threats.

To facilitate these upgrades, the Zorawar light tank will be dispatched to Chennai, recognized as a centre for defence manufacturing in India. General Dwivedi emphasized the importance of the city in the progression of this project, stating, “We anticipate the tank’s return to Chennai shortly for these enhancements.”

Following the completion of the modifications, the Indian Army intends to conduct additional trials in 2025 and 2026. These evaluations will be essential for confirming the enhancements and ensuring the tank’s readiness for integration into the Indian Army. The trials are expected to cover a variety of conditions, including different altitudes and various climatic challenges, to ensure the tank’s adaptability and dependability in multiple operational scenarios.

At present, the Indian Army has stationed Russian-manufactured T-72 and T-90 tanks in the Ladakh theatre, however their operational performance is hindered by the thin air, steep slopes, and challenging terrain typical of high-altitude regions. Originally designed for flat terrain and desert operations, the T-72s and T-90s lack the necessary adaptability to thrive in the demanding mountain environment.

The Zorawar tank is anticipated to be fully operational by 2027, which will enhance India’s defence capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and better prepare the Indian Army to confront the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The PLA has already deployed modern light tanks in the region, which are characterized by their high power-to-weight ratios, agility, and effective performance in high-altitude conditions.