According to the website of Defense News magazine in the United States, India released a prototype of the "Zolaval" light tank this month. Delhi released a call for information on a new type of light tank in April 2021, and India's rapid production of a prototype vehicle is unprecedented. According to reports, the "Zolawal" tank is the result of a public-private partnership between Larson Tebrol Limited (LT) and the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization. So far, the Indian Army has ordered 59 tanks, but Samir Kamat, the head of the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization, said that the "Zolawal" tank will not be put into service until 2027. Alan Ramchandani, Executive Vice President of LT, said, "The tremendous effort put in by (people) for this is the result of the joint efforts of the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization and LT... No place in the world can launch a new product in such a short period of time." Rahul Bangle, head of Delhi based security risk consulting firm, said, "Although India's slogan is defense localization, the 'Zolawal' draws on a lot of foreign technology. For example, it has a Cockeril 3105 turret from Belgium, a Passeo targeting system developed by the French Safran Group, and a foreign engine." The report stated that it is currently unclear whether the prototype tank uses the Cummins VTA903E series or the Anteu 8E series. The V199 TE21 engine is also unclear which model will be selected for production. The 105mm caliber main gun of the tank is equipped with an automatic loader, which means only 3 crew members are needed. There is also a coaxial 7.62mm caliber machine gun and a 12.7mm caliber remote-controlled weapon station installed on the turret. In addition, the turret is equipped with two anti tank missiles. The Zorawal tank is equipped with composite rubber tracks, which are much lighter than the existing tanks of the Indian Army, meaning it is more suitable for use in mountainous areas. The military project approval plan for Delhi in December 2022 lists a requirement for 315 light tanks. (New Society)