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  • Zorawar Tank completed successfully field test.

    Zorawar Tank completed successfully field test.

    Zorawar Tank completed successfully the first field test in the desert area of Rajasthan. Moreover, in the very first test conducted in the desert, the tank succeeded in hitting the intended target with accuracy. The trials were conducted by DRDO. With this, India’s search for a fast-armoured fighting light vehicle has now been completed. As a result, now the force of the Zorawar tank will prevail everywhere. Be it the high-altitude war zones in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh adjacent to China or the Rann of Kutch adjacent to Pakistan.

    The Zorawar Tank is a light tank developed by India’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE). It is designed specifically for use in high-altitude terrains like the northern borders, such as Ladakh. It is named after General Zorawar Singh, a military leader known for his campaigns in the Himalayas during the 19th century.

    The Zorawar Tank is intended to strengthen India’s capability in managing the challenges posed by high-altitude conflict zones, particularly with an eye on the China border. Its development is part of India’s broader efforts to modernize its military forces.

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    Currently, heavy tanks deployed at the Chinese border

    Currently, heavy tanks weighing 40-50 tonnes are been deployed at LAC. These tanks are Russian-origin Bhisma T90, Ajay T-72 and the main battle tank Arjun. To reach the high-altitude battle areas of Ladakh, army personnel have to pass through many passes. For that reason, it is very difficult with these heavy tanks.

    Now soldiers will be able to move faster with the Zorawar Tank. Since the weight of the Zorawar Tank will be less than 25 Tonnes. Therefore these can be transported very easily at a height of 8 to 10 thousand feet. Furthermore, heavy tanks like T-72 and T-90 found it difficult to reach there.

    L&T will manufacture the Zorawar Tank

    L&T will manufacture 354 Zorawar tanks in collaboration with DRDO. Additionally, it will be prepared on the chassis of K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Artie 155 mm. Moreover, the K-9 Vajra tank has also been manufactured at L&T’s plant in Hazira, Gujarat. Numerous Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), will play a pivotal role in the development of various sub-systems.

    It will take two years to test the indigenous Zoravar Tank. Moreover, the upcoming trials will include missile firing. The army will also test the tank’s performance in summer, winter, and high altitude before it can go into production. After that, it will be included in the army fleet by 2027. All these tanks will be light as well as provide better firepower and protection.

    Specifications of the Zorawar Tank

    The Zorawar Tank is a high-altitude, light tank developed by India, optimized for mountainous regions like Ladakh, where mobility and agility are crucial. While the full set of specifications might evolve as development progresses, based on available data and expectations, here are some key features:

    1. Weight & Mobility of Zorawar Tank

    • Weight: Around 25 tons or less, making it much lighter than standard battle tanks.
    • Mobility: Designed for high-altitude warfare, ensuring it can operate effectively in challenging terrain and elevations. Thus this includes a focus on agility, with a good power-to-weight ratio and all-terrain mobility.
    • Engine: Expected to have a high-powered engine (up to 1,000 hp) to ensure it can manoeuvre in rough terrains. Thus providing excellent speed and climbing ability.

    2. Armament of Zorawar Tank

    • Primary Weapon: Likely to be a 105mm gun or a 30mm cannon, suitable for engaging light and medium armoured vehicles as well as infantry positions.
    • Secondary Armament: Co-axial machine guns, possibly a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun for infantry support.
    • Anti-tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs): Provision to fire-guided missiles, extending its effective range and armor-penetration capability.

    3. Protection

    • Armour: Lightweight composite armour to ensure high mobility without compromising on essential protection. Therefore the armour would likely be modular, allowing upgrades.
    • Active Protection Systems (APS): Likely equipped with APS to defend against incoming anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs).
    • Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA): Potential to add ERA for additional protection against high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds.

    4. Electronics & Communication

    • Fire Control System (FCS): A modern FCS with laser rangefinders, thermal imagers, and night-vision capabilities for all-weather, day-night operation.
    • Situational Awareness: Sensors and cameras provide 360-degree visibility.
    • Battle Management Systems (BMS): Integrated with India’s military communication network to coordinate with other units, drones, and command centres.

    5. Operational Altitude

    • The tank is specially engineered to operate effectively at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet or more. Thus maintaining performance in low-oxygen environments that is critical for high-altitude warfare.

    6. Crew

    • Expected to have a crew of 3 or 4 (commander, gunner, driver, loader).

    7. Variants

    • The Zorawar platform is likely to have multiple variants. That include reconnaissance, anti-aircraft, or command post versions, to support a variety of battlefield roles.

    8. Range and Endurance

    • Fuel capacity allows for extended operational range to support sustained operations in remote areas.
    • High endurance in terms of autonomous operation time.

    These specifications aim to make the Zorawar Tank a formidable asset for India’s armed forces in challenging high-altitude scenarios, particularly along the northern borders.

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  • Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile was successfully tested

    Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile was successfully tested

    A Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile was successfully tested in a field firing range located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. On Tuesday, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM).

    Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile capable of hitting tanks

    A Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile can be easily carried anywhere. Moreover, It is capable of targeting enemy tanks from anywhere. MPATGM is a fire control system with aiming. Furthermore, it is suitable for both day and night operations. A Defense Ministry official said that the trial of its tandem warhead system has been completed. Moreover, it was found to be capable of defeating modern armour-protected tanks. Even before this, the system was tested in various areas.

    According to sources, this Indigenous man-portable anti-tank guided missile is equipped with a tandem high explosive anti-tank weapon. Moreover, it can pierce armoured vehicles with state-of-the-art explosive reactive armour. In such a situation, no tank or armoured vehicle can escape from it during the war.

    The man-portable anti-tank guided missile system consists of a missile, launcher, target acquisition system and a fire control unit. DRDO officials said the warhead flight trials had been successfully conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Moreover, the performance of the missile and the warhead is “remarkable”.

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    Types of anti-tank missiles

    Anti-rank missiles are designed to target and destroy enemy tanks and armoured vehicles. Moreover, they come in various types. Furthermore, each has unique features and capabilities. Here are some common types:

    1. Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MANPATS)

    • Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel), NLAW (UK).
    • Description: These are shoulder-fired or tripod-mounted missiles that can be carried and operated by a single soldier. They are often equipped with guidance systems such as infrared homing, laser guidance, or wire-guidance, allowing them to hit targets from long distances.

    Indian man-portable anti-tank guided missile

    An example of an Indian man-portable anti-tank missile is the DRDO MPATGM.

    DRDO MPATGM

    • Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India.
    • Guidance System: Infrared homing (fire-and-forget).
    • Range: Approximately 2.5 kilometres.
    • Warhead: Tandem HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank).
    • Features:
      • Lightweight and can be carried by individual soldiers.
      • Moreover, it is designed to engage and destroy modern armoured tanks with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).
      • Furthermore, the missile has a top-attack and direct-attack mode, providing flexibility in engaging different types of targets.

    The MPATGM is intended to replace the older 2nd generation Milan and Konkurs ATGMs currently in service with the Indian Army.

    2. Vehicle-mounted anti-tank Guided Missiles

    • Examples: TOW (U.S.), Kornet (Russia), Hellfire (U.S.). Additionally, Nag (India) is the perfect example.
    • Description: These missiles are mounted on vehicles like armoured personnel carriers (APCs), helicopters, or drones. They offer greater range and power than man-portable systems and are used for both offensive and defensive purposes.

    3. Fire-and-Forget Missiles

    • Examples: FGM-148 Javelin (U.S.), Spike-LR (Israel) and HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) missile, also known as Dhruvastra (India).
    • Description: These missiles lock onto their target before launch and then guide themselves, allowing the operator to take cover or move after firing. Moreover, they often use infrared or optical guidance systems.

    4. Wire-Guided Missiles

    • Examples: BGM-71 TOW (U.S.), MILAN (France/Germany) and MILAN 2T (India).
    • Description: These missiles are guided by a wire that unspools behind the missile as it travels. The operator can steer the missile toward the target by adjusting the controls during flight.

    5. Laser-Guided Missiles

    • Examples: AGM-114 Hellfire (U.S.), 9M133 Kornet (Russia) and Laser-Guided ATGM (India).
    • Description: These missiles are guided to their target by a laser beam. Furthermore, the laser designator, which can be handheld, vehicle-mounted, or airborne, illuminates the target, and the missile follows the reflected laser energy.

    6. Infrared-Guided Missiles

    • Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel) and Nag (India).
    • Description: These missiles use infrared sensors to detect the heat signature of a target. Hence allowing them to home in on the target’s engine or exhaust.

    7. Top-Attack Missiles

    • Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel) and Nag (India).
    • Description: Designed to strike the more vulnerable upper surfaces of a tank, these missiles can fly over the target and then dive down onto it, bypassing the heavily armoured front and sides.

    8. Kinetic Energy Penetrators

    • Examples: M829 series (U.S.), APFSDS (various). India also has FSAPDS (Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot).
    • Description: While not a missile, kinetic energy penetrators are a type of anti-tank round used in tank guns and some missile systems. They rely on high velocity to penetrate armor, rather than explosives.

    Each of these types is designed for specific tactical scenarios, with varying ranges, guidance systems, and methods of attack. Furthermore, the DRDO (India) has designed all types of anti-tank missiles.

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  • Akash-NG Missile kills the enemies in the blink of an eye

    Akash-NG Missile kills the enemies in the blink of an eye

    Akash-NG missile is being developed by DRDO that can kill enemies in the blink of an eye. Akash-NG missile flies one kilometre per second. Its speed is 3087 kilometres per hour and does not even give the enemies a chance to blink.

    The Indian Defense Research Organization on Friday successfully test-fired the Akash-NG missile from the Chandipur range in Odisha. Next Generation Akash-NG Missile shot down the enemy missile flying at a very low altitude with great accuracy. Although, older versions of Akash missiles are already serving in the Indian Army. DRDO has also released its video.

    Akash-NG missile test by DRDO

    India had deployed an Akash-NG missile on LAC after the clash with China. Apart from this, the Air Force has also deployed Akash missiles at Gwalior, Jalpaiguri, Tezpur, Jorhat and Pune bases.

    Specification of Akash-NG Missile

    The AKASH-NG Missile is a short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to protect vulnerable areas and points from air attacks. The system can engage multiple targets simultaneously in either group or autonomous mode. It also comes equipped with Electronic Counter to Counter Measures (ECCM) features to enhance its effectiveness. The entire weapon system is configured on mobile platforms for ease of deployment. Currently, the AKASH is operational and in use by both the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army (IA).

    • It is a surface-to-air missile.
    • It has a dual-pulse solid rocket motor.
    • The range of this missile is 40 to 80 kilometres.
    • This missile is equipped with multi-scan radar
    • It can attack multiple enemies at once
    • It can be launched from any mobile platform
    • Its total weight is 720 kg
    • The length of this missile is 19 feet and the diameter is 1.16 feet.
    • It is capable of carrying 60 kg of weapons
    • Akash-NG missiles can destroy enemy aircraft up to 20 kilometres altitude.
    • It can also be fired from T-72 tanks or BMP chassis
    • It can also be fired from Tratra Truck or Tata’s launch system.
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