Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emphasised defence and security as the foundation of Indo-Belgium relations amid the visit of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.PM Modi noted that both nations have finalised pacts to boost military exchanges and training initiatives, highlighting collaboration on advanced military hardware, such as the Zorawar tank.
Indigenous tank to counter China
Developed as a counter to China’s Type 15 tanks that the Indian army faced during the 2020 standoff,Zorawar is the country’s first indigenous light tank designed for high‑altitude warfare.Weighing around 25 tonnes, the tank is lighter in comparison to the Chinese Type 15, allowing deployment by IAF’s C‑17 Globemaster aircraft.It can reach 70 km/h, and uses hydropneumatic suspension for movement on rugged terrain.Zorawar has a range of 450 km.Despite its weight, Zorawar is well-armed. It features a Belgian John Cockerill 3105 turret mounting, with a 105mm rifled gun containing an autoloader.The firepower is further complemented by a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, a 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station, and twin launchers capable of firing Nag Mk2 anti‑tank missiles.Additionally, the tank runs on a Cummins 760hp diesel engine, with a Renk transmission.In March, 2025, Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence entered a joint venture with Pune-based Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics to manufacture the Cockerill 3105 turret in India, for Zorawar tank. It’s first such production line beyond Europe.Lightweight tanks with high firepower suit the Indian army’s requirements to counter Chinese and Pakistani threats at high altitude.The army had placed an initial order for 59 Zorawars to Larsen & Toubro in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).The total reported requirement is 354, with a competition to be reportedly held for the remaining 295.The tank is named after General Zorawar Singh, known as ‘Conqueror of Ladakh’, a general in the Dogra Army of the then Raja of Jammu.
