India has reportedly launched development of a domestically designed 105mm gun for the Zorawar Light Battle Tank programme, underscoring the country’s continued push toward self-reliance in critical armoured warfare technologies.
Sources close to idrw.org indicate that development work on the indigenous gun system is already underway, with plans to make the weapon operational within the next five years. The locally developed gun is expected to eventually replace the imported Belgian 105mm rifled cannon currently installed on the Zorawar prototype.
The existing prototype uses the Cockerill 3105 turret developed by Belgium-based John Cockerill Defense. This turret features a high-pressure 105mm rifled gun tailored for lightweight combat vehicles operating in difficult mountainous and high-altitude terrain.
The Zorawar Light Battle Tank is being jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro to fulfill the Indian Army’s urgent requirement for a rapidly deployable light tank suited for areas such as Eastern Ladakh and other sectors along the Line of Actual Control.
Defence sources suggest that the first production lot of nearly 59 tanks will likely continue using the imported Cockerill turret and gun system in order to accelerate induction timelines and quickly meet operational demands.
Future production batches, however, are expected to feature progressively higher indigenous content, including the new domestically developed 105mm gun. The initiative supports India’s broader “Atmanirbhar Bharat” policy focused on strengthening local defence manufacturing capabilities and reducing long-term foreign dependence.
Developing the lightweight gun is expected to involve extensive engineering modifications, as tank guns intended for high-altitude operations require specialized optimization compared to conventional main battle tank armament. Critical development priorities are expected to include recoil reduction, thermal performance, weight control, and accuracy in extreme weather conditions.
The indigenous system is also likely to be compatible with NATO-standard 105mm ammunition, including APFSDS, HEAT, and programmable multi-role rounds. Depending on future Army requirements, integration of anti-tank guided missile firing capability may also be explored.
The development schedule aligns with the Indian Army’s phased acquisition strategy for the Zorawar platform. While the initial procurement is expected to remain limited, defence officials indicate that a second order potentially involving around 300 additional tanks could be placed if the platform successfully clears operational trials and user evaluations.
A large-scale follow-on order would make localization of key subsystems more economically viable, especially for critical areas such as the main gun, fire-control suite, and ammunition supply chain.
The Zorawar project also highlights a broader shift in the Indian Army’s armoured warfare doctrine. Traditionally centered on heavier tanks designed for plains and desert combat, the Army intensified its focus on light tanks following border tensions with China in Eastern Ladakh, where rapid mobility and high-altitude performance became operational priorities.
Compared to heavier tanks like the T-90 and Arjun Mk-1A, the Zorawar is designed for better maneuverability in mountainous terrain while also being transportable by aircraft such as the C-17 Globemaster III. Its reduced weight additionally enhances logistics and deployment flexibility in remote border regions with limited infrastructure.
