As part of the Indian government’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance in defense and advance the Atmanirbharta initiative in critical technologies, the Indian Army has reached a new milestone with the Zorawar light tank, successfully conducting the first test firing of the Nag Mk II guided anti-tank missile. The test, carried out by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), demonstrated the full integration capability of the weapon system and the effectiveness of the new missile.
During the trials, the Zorawar met all performance objectives, including range, accuracy, and maneuverability of the missile in its top-attack configuration. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO team for the achievement, emphasizing that “the successful integration of the Nag Mk II with the Zorawar represents a technological leap in the Indian Army’s combat capability.”
The Nag Mk II is a third-generation anti-tank missile developed by the DRDO, designed under the “fire and forget” principle, allowing it to strike targets without post-launch guidance. It can operate under all weather conditions and has an estimated range of 7 to 10 kilometers, significantly surpassing the earlier Nag Mk I version. In addition, it can be launched both from the Zorawar tank and from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) system, providing a versatile and effective platform against armored vehicles.
The Zorawar light tank, officially unveiled in July 2024, was designed for operations in mountainous and hard-to-reach environments such as the Himalayan border sectors, where India maintains tensions with China. With an approximate weight of 25 tons, the vehicle is powered by a 1,000-horsepower Cummins engine, granting it an excellent power-to-weight ratio and maneuverability in extreme terrain. Its modular Cockerill 3105 turret, equipped with a 105 mm gun and an active protection system, provides operational flexibility and firepower comparable to that of heavier tanks.
The development of the Zorawar LT was completed in a record time of just two years, thanks to a modular approach and the use of existing technological solutions. Its production responds to the Indian Army’s requirement for 354 light tanks, with an initial batch of 59 units already ordered. These platforms aim to gradually replace the veteran T-72s in areas where mobility and rapid deployment are critical. The new tank is expected to be officially inducted into the Army in 2027.
Within the framework of the Make in India policy, India is also moving toward local production of the Cockerill 3105 turrets through a partnership between the Belgian firm John Cockerill Defense and the Indian company Electro Pneumatics & Hydraulics Pvt Ltd (EPHL). This collaboration, aimed at ensuring industrial independence and program sustainability, reinforces the nation’s commitment to technological self-sufficiency and domestic production of advanced defense systems. The successful Nag Mk II firing thus marks a new chapter in consolidating India’s military capability, grounded in innovation and indigenous development.
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