India showcased the indigenous Zorawar
light tank and TEJASTRA system at Larsen & Toubro’s Hazira facility in
Gujarat in June 2026
¨
India showcased the
indigenous Zorawar light tank and TEJASTRA system at Larsen & Toubro’s
Hazira facility in Gujarat in June 2026.
¨
The Zorawar light tank is
a 25-tonne class indigenous armoured vehicle developed by the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
¨
It is specially designed
for high-altitude mountainous regions and border areas, particularly along the
Line of Actual Control (LAC).
¨
The platform is a key
example of the “Make in India” initiative and public–private partnership (PPP)
in defence manufacturing.
¨
The Zorawar tank
integrates the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
¨
The Nag Mk II missile has
an operational range of approximately 7 to 10 kilometres.
¨
The Zorawar tank
completed successful trials in October 2025.
¨
The Ministry of Defence
has placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks under the programme.
¨
The long-term procurement
plan includes the potential acquisition of more than 295 additional units.
¨
Full induction of the
Zorawar tanks is expected by 2027.
¨
The Zorawar programme
addresses India’s requirement for lightweight, highly mobile tanks suitable for
high-altitude warfare.
¨
TEJASTRA is India’s
roadmap for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) and laser-based defence technologies.
¨
Directed energy weapons
use concentrated energy, particularly lasers, to disable or destroy targets.
¨
TEJASTRA Phase-1 focuses
on 10–20 kilowatt-class systems for counter-drone and short-range air defence
applications.
¨ Phase-2 is planned for 2028 and will include 50–100 kilowatt tactical systems.
¨ The DRDO is also developing a 50-kilowatt laser weapon system, with trials expected in 2027 and induction targeted by 2030.
