India Showcases Zorawar Tank and TEJASTRA

India showcased the indigenous Zorawar light tank and TEJASTRA at Larsen & Toubro’s Hazira facility in Gujarat in June 2026. The Zorawar platform is a 25-tonne light tank developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Larsen & Toubro for high-altitude combat along the Line of Actual Control.

Zorawar Light Tank

The Zorawar light tank is designed for mobility in mountainous terrain and for deployment in areas with limited infrastructure. It is an indigenous armoured platform developed under a public-private partnership between the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Larsen & Toubro. The tank integrated the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile and completed tests in October 2025. The Nag Mk II has a maximum range of 7 to 10 kilometres.

Procurement and Induction

The Ministry of Defence placed an initial order for 59 Zorawar tanks. The long-term procurement plan covers more than 295 additional units, and full induction is projected for 2027. The Zorawar programme is linked to India’s light tank requirement for operations in high-altitude sectors where heavier main battle tanks face mobility constraints.

TEJASTRA and Directed Energy Weapons

TEJASTRA is India’s roadmap for directed energy weapon systems and laser-based defence technologies. Directed energy weapons use concentrated energy, including lasers, to damage or disable targets. TEJASTRA begins with Phase-1 systems in the 10 to 20 kilowatt class for counter-drone and short-range air defence. Phase-2 is planned for 2028 and covers 50 to 100 kilowatt tactical systems. The Defence Research and Development Organisation is also developing a 50-kilowatt laser weapon programme, with trials expected in 2027 and induction planned for 2030.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Zorawar light tank is a 25-tonne indigenous platform.
• The Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile has a range of 7 to 10 kilometres.
• Directed energy weapons include laser-based systems used for counter-drone and air defence roles.
• Hazira is an industrial facility of Larsen & Toubro in Gujarat.

Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem

India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem includes the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Ministry of Defence, and private sector firms such as Larsen & Toubro. The Zorawar and TEJASTRA programmes are part of indigenous defence development in India.