With the planned introduction of the domestic Zorawar light tank into the Indian Army, the country is poised to make a major advancement in high-altitude armored combat.
On October 17, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested the NAG MK-2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from the tank at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, confirming the platform’s military readiness.
This significant achievement highlights India’s increasing independence in the development of armored systems and the integration of guided weapons. The Zorawar initiative, which is being carried out under DRDO supervision in partnership with Larsen & Toubro, intends to create a lightweight, nimble, and incredibly efficient tank that is tailored for the Himalayan environment.
A significant step towards complete operational preparedness, the successful integration of the NAG MK-2 demonstrates DRDO’s capacity to provide in-house solutions to satisfy changing battlefield demands.
The third-generation, fire-and-forget NAG MK-2 missile is made for top-attack profiles. It employs cutting-edge imaging infrared technology to attack and eliminate strongly armored targets within an operational range of 4 to 5 kilometers. The latest testing confirmed the system’s effectiveness on the battlefield in a variety of scenarios by validating crucial metrics like lock-on-after-launch, accuracy against moving targets, and high terminal lethality.
The Zorawar light tank, which weighs about 25 tons, is a small but effective combat system designed for high-altitude missions. The tank combines mobility, firepower, and survivability and is named for General Zorawar Singh, a 19th-century Dogra commander who was well-known for his Himalayan operations.
In contrast to larger tanks like the Arjun Mk-1A or T-90 Bhishma, which have mechanical limits at high altitudes, the Zorawar promises unparalleled maneuverability over rough terrain, snow, and sand above 14,000 feet.
User evaluation trials in Ladakh are set to start this winter, with at least one prototype ready for deployment and another almost finished. Mass production and phased induction are anticipated to proceed quickly after successful validation, giving priority to high-altitude units entrusted with guarding the northern border.
India’s concept on armored warfare has undergone a radical change with the introduction of the Zorawar-NAG MK-2 combo. The Zorawar gives the Indian Army a native, nimble, and deadly response platform that directly challenges China’s ZTQ-15 (Type-15) light tank fleet stationed along the Line of Actual Control.
The prompt delivery of the equipment enhances India’s capacity for deterrence and operational adaptability in difficult mountainous regions.
India’s technological maturity in creating specialized combat vehicles that are suited to its strategic environment is reflected in the upcoming introduction of the Zorawar, which represents more than just a new armament platform. India is redefining high-altitude battlefield dynamics to its advantage by fusing its own design expertise with cutting-edge guided-missile technology, ushering in a new era of armoured self-reliance and tactical innovation.
