New Delhi: With light tanks becoming an imperative to be introduced into the Army to overcome the limitations of medium tanks and equip the Indian Army for all contingencies in High Altitude Areas (HAA), marginal terrain and island territories in addition to its use in the plains, semi-deserts and deserts, the Defence Ministry is to take up this important Army proposal later this week.

The Army proposal for development of light tanks is for deployment on the China border and this is to be taken up at a meeting scheduled to be held later this week. The high-level meeting of the Defence Ministry will discuss the proposal for buying 354 of these tanks under Make in India, media reports said quoting government sources.

The Indian Army has issued specifications for its future light tank which has been named ‘Zorawar’. The tank has been named after the legendary general who led multiple successful victories in Tibet which is now controlled by the Chinese Army.

Army officials said that to overcome the limitations faced by medium battle tanks and equip the Indian Army for all contingencies in High Altitude Area (HAA), marginal terrain and island territories besides its utilisation in the plains, semi-deserts and deserts, it is now important to induct light tanks. The Indian Army had to induct a considerable number of T-72 and T-90 tanks in operational areas, gaining tactical surprise over the adversary and thereby forcing the adversary on a back foot.

“However, the tanks were primarily designed for operations in plains and desert terrain having their own limitations when employed in high altitude Areas. They face a similar handicap when employed in marginal terrain of Rann of Kutch,” an official said.