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Zorawar

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Zorawar — Light Tank

ACTIVE

High-altitude light tank for Ladakh theatre

Budget

₹2,300 Cr (initial lot) / ₹18,000 Cr total

Timeline

2023–2029

Sector

Indian Army

Indigenisation

70%

PROCUREMENT TIMELINE

AON

AON

Acceptance of Necessity — CCS/DAC approves the requirement.

RFI

RFI

Request for Information — industry capability survey.

RFP

RFP

Request for Proposal — detailed tender issued to vendors.

ToC

ToC

Transfer of Technology clause negotiations.

CNC

CNC

Contract Negotiation Committee finalises terms.

Contract

Contract

Contract signed with selected vendor(s).

Dev/Trial

Dev/Trial

CURRENT

Development, integration and user trials.

Induction

Induction

INTEL SIGNALS

Near induction — watch for contract award

Jointly developed by DRDO and L&T. Successfully completed automotive and firing trials at Hazira and transitioned to desert and high-altitude trials in Ladakh. Initial development order of 59 tanks, with DAC clearing AoN for 295 additional tanks under Make-I category.

RECENT INTELLIGENCE

Analysis - Exploring How India’s Zorawar Light Tank Is Spawning a Versatile Family of Himalayan Combat Vehicles - Defence.in

news.google.com · 21 Jun 2026

Indian Army to Begin User Trials of Indigenous Zorawar Light Tank Across Diverse Terrains in Early 2026, Confirms DRDO Chief - Defence.in

news.google.com · 09 Jan 2026

Zorawar Light Tank developed jointly by DRDO and L&T embodies spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat - ANI News

news.google.com · 22 Sept 2025

India’s Zorawar light tank faces protection and performance trade-off - The Times of India

news.google.com · 17 Oct 2026

Zorawar light tank induction pushed to 2028-29 as Indian Army addresses design refinements - India Sentinels

news.google.com · 11 Jun 2026

PROGRAM BRIEF & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Essential facts about Zorawar

Pipeline Status

Stage 6/7

User & High-Altitude Trials

Estimated Budget

₹2,300 Cr (initial lot) / ₹18,000 Cr total

Financial Outlay

Target Timeline

2023–2029

Operational Target

Armed Service

Indian Army

70% Indigenous

What is the current status and stage of Zorawar?▾

Zorawar — Light Tank is currently at Stage 6 of 7 in the Indian defence procurement procedure (User & High-Altitude Trials). High-altitude light tank for Ladakh theatre

What is the estimated budget or outlay for Zorawar?▾

The allocated budget outlay for Zorawar is estimated at ₹2,300 Cr (initial lot) / ₹18,000 Cr total.

When is Zorawar expected to be inducted or deployed?▾

The program schedule indicates 2023–2029.

Which agencies and companies are building Zorawar?▾

Zorawar is developed in coordination with vendors: DRDO CVRDE, L&T Defence, John Cockerill Defence.

What is the indigenisation level of Zorawar?▾

Zorawar targets an indigenous content of 70%, advancing domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CONTENDERS / VENDORS

DRDO CVRDE · L&T Defence · John Cockerill Defence

LATEST UPDATES

  • No updates published yet.

SEE ALSO

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PENDING