Daily Current Affairs : 17-December-2024

The Indian Light Tank (ILT), also known as Zorawar, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing firing trials at an altitude of over 4,200 meters. This is a key development for India’s defense capabilities, especially in the challenging terrain of high-altitude areas like Ladakh. Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the ILT is designed for high-altitude warfare and rapid deployment.

Key Features of the Indian Light Tank

The Zorawar light tank is a versatile and robust piece of military equipment, specially designed to operate in the most difficult terrains. Some of its key features are:

  • High-Altitude Performance:
    • The ILT performed exceptionally well during its trials, firing multiple rounds with precision.
    • It proved its ability to operate in extreme conditions, including challenging weather and rough terrain at high altitudes.
    • The tank demonstrated excellent mobility and reliability, making it suitable for high-altitude regions like Ladakh.
  • Airlift Capability:
    • One of the standout features of the Zorawar tank is its ability to be airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    • This capability allows the tank to be deployed rapidly to remote and inaccessible areas, ensuring that India can quickly respond to threats in such regions.
  • Enhanced Mobility and Firepower:
    • The ILT combines air transportability, high-angle firing, and limited artillery capabilities, giving it a unique edge in mountain warfare.
    • Its mobility allows it to quickly maneuver through difficult mountainous terrain while still being able to deliver effective fire support.
Significance for India’s Defense

The successful trials of the Indian Light Tank are a major step forward for India’s military. The ILT strengthens India’s ability to conduct operations in mountainous regions by providing an indigenous solution for rapid mobility and firepower in high-altitude areas. This development aligns with India’s goal to modernize its defense systems with domestically developed technologies. It also improves the country’s readiness for rapid deployment and enhances its strategic advantage in regions like Ladakh, where mountainous terrain can limit conventional military options.

Important Points:
  • Indian Light Tank (ILT) “Zorawar” successfully completed firing trials at an altitude of over 4,200 meters.
  • Joint Development: The ILT was developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with contributions from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  • Designed for High-Altitude Warfare: It is specifically built for challenging terrains, particularly in regions like Ladakh.
  • High-Altitude Performance:
    • The tank demonstrated exceptional mobility and precision firing at varying ranges.
    • Proven to operate reliably in extreme weather and rugged terrain at high altitudes.
  • Airlift Capability:
    • The ILT can be airlifted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), ensuring rapid deployment to remote and inaccessible areas.
  • Enhanced Firepower and Mobility:
    • Offers high-angle firing and limited artillery roles, combining mobility with firepower in mountainous areas.
  • Significance for India’s Defense:
    • Strengthens India’s mountain warfare capabilities with indigenous technology.
    • Enhances rapid response and strategic advantage in high-altitude regions like Ladakh.
  • Strategic Importance: This tank’s development aligns with India’s defense goals to modernize and maintain an edge in high-altitude and mountainous warfare.
Why In News

The Indian Light Tank (ILT), also known as Zorawar, has successfully completed rigorous firing trials at an altitude of over 4,200 meters, demonstrating its exceptional performance in one of the most challenging terrains on Earth. This achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its military capabilities in high-altitude regions.

MCQs about Indian Light Tank (ILT)
  1. What is the primary purpose of the Indian Light Tank (ILT), also known as Zorawar?
    A. To serve as a naval defense system
    B. To operate in high-altitude warfare and enable rapid deployment
    C. To assist in air combat missions
    D. To provide medical assistance in remote areas
    Correct Answer: B. To operate in high-altitude warfare and enable rapid deployment
    Explanation: The ILT is designed specifically for high-altitude warfare, ensuring mobility and firepower in challenging terrains like Ladakh, and enabling rapid deployment in such regions.
  2. Which organizations were involved in the development of the Indian Light Tank (ILT)?
    A. DRDO, Indian Army, and HAL
    B. DRDO, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and various MSMEs
    C. ISRO, DRDO, and TATA
    D. BHEL, L&T, and the Indian Navy
    Correct Answer: B. DRDO, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and various MSMEs
    Explanation: The ILT was developed through a partnership between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and contributions from various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
  3. What is the significance of the Indian Light Tank’s airlift capability?
    A. It allows the tank to be deployed only by road
    B. It ensures rapid deployment to remote and inaccessible areas by air
    C. It helps the tank to be deployed in underwater operations
    D. It reduces the weight of the tank for easier transport by trucks
    Correct Answer: B. It ensures rapid deployment to remote and inaccessible areas by air
    Explanation: The ILT’s airlift capability allows the Indian Air Force to deploy it swiftly to remote areas that are difficult to access by other means, ensuring quick responses to potential threats.

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