Archive · 3 Sep 2026
India’s Zorawar Light Tank Built for High-Altitude Warfare
Zorawar is a new light tank made in India.
It is designed to fight in the very high mountains of the Himalayas.
The tank is relatively light, so a large aircraft can carry it.
It can travel quickly and cover a long distance.
It has a large 105mm gun and other machine guns.
It can also fire Nag Mk2 anti-tank missiles.
The tank was tested in Nyoma, Ladakh, at more than 4,200 metres high.
The Army has reportedly ordered 59 tanks and may seek 295 more.
Zorawar is India’s first indigenous light tank, developed in 19 months for Himalayan operations.
The approximately 25-tonne tank can reportedly reach 70 km/h and travel 450 km.
Its Belgian John Cockerill 3105 turret carries a 105mm rifled gun and autoloader.
Zorawar has completed high-altitude trials and live firing in Nyoma, Ladakh, above 4,200 metres.
The Indian Army reportedly ordered 59 tanks, with competition planned for 295 more.
- Who
- India, the Indian Army, and the developers of the Zorawar light tank; the tank was discussed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during talks with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
- What
- India developed and tested Zorawar, its first indigenous light tank, for high-altitude warfare.
- When
- The prototypes reportedly completed high-altitude trials before the article; Modi and De Wever discussed defence cooperation on a Thursday during De Wever’s three-day India visit.
- Where
- The tank is intended for the Himalayan region and was tested in Nyoma, Ladakh, above 4,200 metres.
- Why
- Its light, mobile design is intended to operate in rugged terrain, low-oxygen conditions, and high-altitude areas.
- Development time
- Reportedly 19 months
- Approximate weight
- 25 tonnes
- Maximum speed
- Up to 70 km/h
- Operational range
- 450 km
- Main armament
- 105mm rifled gun with an autoloader
- High-altitude testing
- Nyoma, Ladakh, at more than 4,200 metres
- Reported Army order
- 59 tanks, with 295 additional tanks to be contested