The Indian Light Tank (ILT) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing multiple rounds with consistent accuracy at altitudes exceeding 4,200 meters during trials conducted at a high-altitude location. This achievement follows its earlier Phase I trials in desert conditions conducted in September 2024, marking a crucial step in the tank’s development and operational validation, Defence Ministry announced on Thursday.
The ILT has been conceptualized, designed, and developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a Chennai-based laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was developed to meet the Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) of the Indian Army and is being manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Precision Engineering & Systems, the project’s industry partner.
Indian Light Tank has achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing at an altitude of over 4200m, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability. This feat showcased the tank's capability to operate effectively in high-altitude areas, making it an asset for the… pic.twitter.com/eAMVrAsBqT
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 12, 2024
The ILT, a 25-ton class armoured fighting vehicle, has been specifically designed for high-altitude operations to meet the unique needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The project progressed from design to realization and demonstration at high altitudes within just three years—a remarkable achievement in the field of defence technology development.
Additionally, the Indian Air Force demonstrated the ILT’s airlift capability, showcasing its rapid deployability to remote and challenging terrains inaccessible by road or rail. This capability underscores the tank’s strategic value in operational scenarios requiring quick response and adaptability, the MoD stated in its statement.
The trials, which received strong support from both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, mark the completion of the initial two phases of internal performance evaluations. The ILT will now undergo further trials before being offered for formal user evaluation by the Armed Forces.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force, and L&T for the successful high-altitude trials, emphasizing the tank’s importance in enhancing India’s defence capabilities.
Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also lauded the efforts of the entire team, including the industry partner L&T, for their commitment to the project.
This milestone marks a major step forward in India’s drive towards Indigenous defence manufacturing and technological self-reliance, strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces in diverse and challenging environments.
Team BharatShakti
