Zorawar Prototype Completes Development: A Positive Step
There's welcome news for India's defense establishment. The Defence Research and Development Organisation and Larsen & Toubro have successfully completed the prototype stage of Project Zorawar, India's indigenous light tank. This development is crucial in light of the ongoing border tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Light Tanks: Ideal for the Himalayas
The Indian Army currently deploys heavier Russian-origin tanks like the T-90s and T-72s along the LAC. However, these tanks, weighing in at 40-50 tonnes each, are designed for flatter terrains and not well-suited for the high altitudes of the Himalayas. The Zorawar light tank, weighing around 25 tonnes, is specifically designed for mountainous terrain and will be a valuable asset.
Beyond Light Tanks: The Need for Fleet Modernization
The introduction of the Zorawar light tank only addresses part of India's tank problem. The Indian Army has a much larger fleet of aging Russian tanks nearing the end of their life spans that require replacement and modernization. The army plans to address this by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) this year for the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program. This program aims to produce 1,770 next-generation tanks in phases, beginning in 2030, to replace the T-72s.
A Looming Tank Deficit
However, with over 2,400 T-72s in its inventory, the army reportedly plans to upgrade a significant portion of them with better engines and fire control systems. This leaves a sizeable number of T-72s that won't be upgraded, potentially creating a tank deficit in the near future.
Seamless Modernization: A Strategic Imperative
The successful induction of new, advanced tanks alongside the modernization of existing ones is vital to maintain the Indian Army's firepower. While the Zorawar light tank is a positive development, India must maintain its focus on modernizing the bulk of its tank fleet.
Russia to release Indians fighting in Ukraine war after Modi-Putin talks
Russia has decided to release and return all Indians fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine, a breakthrough achieved after Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during his Moscow visit.
The development came after Prime Minister Modi, who is in Moscow for a two-day visit, raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin on Monday evening.
Nearly two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs.
"Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises.
Four Indians have been killed in the war, while 10 have returned to the country. About 35–40 Indians are still believed to be stuck in Russia.
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