Indian Light Tank.
Nag ATGM Fired From Zorawar Light Tank: New Delhi, October 17, 2025: In a significant development for India’s defence capabilities, the Indian Army successfully fired the indigenous Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from the Zorawar light tank, a highly mobile and versatile combat vehicle designed for high-altitude warfare. The successful test, conducted earlier this week, marks a new milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in military technology.
The Zorawar tank, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and produced by the Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), is specifically designed to meet the challenging terrain conditions of India’s mountainous regions, including the northern and northeastern sectors. The integration of the Nag missile with the Zorawar platform provides a formidable combination, offering enhanced firepower and mobility for ground forces, especially in difficult terrain.
A Leap in Self-Reliance
The test firing, which took place in a remote desert testing range, showcased the seamless integration of India’s indigenous Nag ATGM system with the Zorawar tank. The missile successfully hit the designated target, demonstrating the precision and effectiveness of the weapon system. The missile, known for its “fire-and-forget” capability, is designed to destroy heavily armoured tanks and other armoured vehicles, even under the most challenging environmental conditions.
Defence experts have hailed the integration of the Nag missile with the Zorawar tank as a crucial step towards strengthening India’s military deterrence, particularly in high-altitude zones along the border. The Nag missile’s superior guidance and strike capabilities, coupled with the Zorawar’s exceptional manoeuvrability, provide the Indian Army with a potent tool for future combat scenarios.
Boosting India’s Defence Modernisation
The successful integration of the Nag missile into the Zorawar light tank is a testament to the strides India has made in indigenising its defence technology. The Nag missile, part of the country’s ambitious efforts to build a robust and self-reliant defence ecosystem, is a critical asset that reduces India’s reliance on foreign weapon systems. It also reinforces the government’s commitment to enhancing indigenous defence capabilities, in line with the Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the successful test, calling it a “landmark achievement in India’s military history.” He said, “The integration of the Nag ATGM with the Zorawar light tank is an example of the synergy between India’s defence research and industry. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to modernising our armed forces and strengthening our indigenous defence production capabilities.”
The Zorawar tank, named after the legendary military commander Zorawar Singh, is specifically built to address the strategic needs of the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude areas like the Ladakh region. The tank is known for its light weight, high mobility, and ability to operate effectively in rugged terrains where traditional battle tanks often struggle.
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Zorawar has been designed to scale steep incline of Himalayan warfare.
Nag ATGM: A Cutting-Edge Weapon
The Nag ATGM is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile developed by DRDO. It uses an infrared seeker for target acquisition and has a range of 3-4 km, making it one of the most potent anti-tank missiles in India’s arsenal. The missile’s precision guidance system ensures that it can successfully lock onto and neutralise hostile armoured targets with minimal chances of counteraction.
The Nag missile, which has undergone extensive testing and refinement over the years, is now ready for deployment in combat scenarios. Its deployment on the Zorawar light tank ensures that the Indian Army has a comprehensive, modern anti-tank capability, particularly suited for high-altitude, rapid-response combat situations.
Future Implications for the Indian Army
The integration of advanced weaponry such as the Nag ATGM on platforms like the Zorawar tank marks a shift towards a more flexible and responsive military force, capable of rapid deployment in high-intensity conflicts. The Zorawar, paired with the Nag missile, provides the Indian Army with an enhanced capability to engage and neutralise enemy tanks and armoured vehicles, even in difficult terrain where traditional tanks may face limitations.
In the context of India’s strategic interests, especially in regions like the disputed border areas with China and Pakistan, the Nag-equipped Zorawar tank provides the Army with a crucial edge in asymmetric warfare, where mobility and precision are paramount. Additionally, the missile’s ability to operate in diverse environmental conditions further strengthens India’s defence posture.
As India continues to bolster its indigenous defence production, the success of the Nag missile launch from the Zorawar light tank is expected to pave the way for the future integration of similar technologies into other military platforms, contributing to a more self-sufficient and modern Indian military force.
This achievement also holds significant export potential, with growing international interest in India’s defence technology. The successful test could pave the way for future partnerships and exports of Indian-designed military platforms and weapons systems, boosting India’s position in the global defence market.
India’s successful firing of the Nag ATGM from the Zorawar light tank is a major milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to build a more self-reliant and technologically advanced military. It not only strengthens India’s deterrence capabilities but also showcases the country’s growing expertise in developing cutting-edge defence technologies. With continued innovation and collaboration between defence research, industry, and the armed forces, India is set to remain a strong and self-sufficient player on the global defence stage.
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