On 12 December 2024, Indian Light Tank (ILT) achieved a major
milestone by firing a number of rounds at different ranges at an altitude of
more than 4200m, at a High Altitude Location with consistently accurate
results. This was subsequent to the Phase I trial in desert environment in
September 2024. This light tank has been defined, designed and developed by
Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment, the Chennai-based
laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) against the
Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements of Indian Army. It is manufactured
by the Industry Partner Larsen & Toubro Precision Engineering &
Systems.
ILT is being designed as a 25 ton class
armoured fighting vehicle to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces for high
altitude applications. In an integrated manner, the design to realisation to
demonstration at high altitude has been achieved in three years.
The airlift capability of ILT was also
demonstrated by the Indian Air Force. Such a capability would assist in quick deployment
of ILT in operating conditions which are remote and difficult to access through
road or rail. With these two phases of internal performance trials, which were
actively supported by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, ILT would be
undergoing some more trials before being offered for User trials.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, Indian Army, the
Indian Air Force and L&T on the successful High Altitude Trials of the
Light Tank. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir
V Kamat congratulated the entire Light Tank Team including Industry Partner
L&T for their efforts.
