Zorawar
New Delhi: It has been a day of multiple success for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), today.
The DRDO today successfully conducted the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light tank, Zorawar, a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas. Along with the Indian Navy it also successfully conducted back-to-back successful flight tests of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
Zorawar has been successfully developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributed to the development of various sub-systems, showcasing the strength of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities within the country.
During the field trials of Zorawar, conducted in the desert terrain, the light tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. In the initial phase, the tank’s firing performance was rigorously evaluated and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets.
The VLSRSAM during its trial, intercepted a high-speed aerial target, flying at a very low altitude and simulating a sea-skimming threat, which showcased its precision and capability to neutralise targets. This follows the earlier test on September 12, 2024, when the VLSRSAM missile effectively engaged another low-altitude target. These consecutive tests not only demonstrate the weapon system’s reliability but also validate the recent upgrades made to various components of the system.
The missile is equipped with modern technologies and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said this will give further technological boost to the Armed Forces.
Singh lauded DRDO, the Indian Army, and all associated industry partners for the successful trials of the Indian Light Tank as well as the VLSRSAM. He described the achievement as a significant milestone towards India’s goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also extended congratulations to the entire team involved in the projects.
– global bihari bureau
