India has chosen to work with the American company Cummins to supply engines that are essential for its in-house light tanks, which is a major step towards strengthening defensive capabilities. We desperately need these light tanks to counter Chinese deployments in high-altitude areas.

 

After receiving approval for the project last year, Larsen and Toubro collaborated with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to construct a prototype light tank. Sadly, the project was derailed when a German business that had been chosen to supply the engine because of its high power-to-weight ratio was unable to reach a consensus.

According to defence insiders, despite diplomatic efforts, the German corporation was unable to commit to the engine delivery timeframe during several months of negotiations.

The decision to investigate talks with American businesses was made in response to this setback in the light tank development process, which finally resulted in the acceptance of Cummins' offer.

In high-altitude Ladakh, the Indian Army has calculated that 354 light tanks are required. Of those, 59 will be produced by L&T-DRDO, while the other tanks will be produced by other Indian companies following a competitive bidding process.

"Project Zorawar" is the name given to the Indian light tank development project. Modern characteristics including the incorporation of drone warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence, and active protection systems are envisioned for it. The L&T-DRDO option is built around the chassis of the Indian Army's K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery, which is presently in service.

These light tanks will be built to function in any kind of terrain, including island nations and high-altitude areas. They need to be airworthy in order to be deployed quickly. The need for these tanks to offer a portable, maneuverable platform with significant firepower, protection, surveillance, and communication capabilities has been underlined by officials.

When China sent a sizable contingent of troops and heavy machinery into disputed territories in eastern Ladakh two years ago, it became evident that light tanks were needed. In April 2020, China momentarily shifted the balance by stationing new Type 15 light tanks along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh.

Many T-72 and T-90 tanks, which are heavier and less suited for high-altitude operations, were used by the Indian Army.

Source : AFI