India develops Belgian-powered Zorawar light tank to match China's Type 15

India’s defence sector is advancing the Zorawar light tank, a domestically built vehicle equipped with a Belgian-supplied power unit. The tank is intended to operate in mountainous regions and to counter the Chinese Type 15, which has been deployed along the disputed border. Development is coordinated by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Research and Development Organisation, with plans to field prototypes in the near term.

The Zorawar’s design emphasizes mobility, firepower, and reduced logistical burden compared with heavier main battle tanks. Its creation underscores New Delhi’s broader strategy to achieve self-reliance in armoured warfare and reduce dependence on foreign imports. The initiative arrives as India seeks to modernise its forces amid ongoing security challenges with China.