PM Modi inspects indigenous defence systems at Surat facility, briefed about desi light tank Zorawar

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi on Friday visited the Armed Systems Complex of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in Surat where he reviewed the manufacturing of advanced defence equipment and indigenously developed armoured vehicles.

During the visit to the state-of-the-art facility in Hazira, PM Modi was updated by senior L&T officials about various indigenous defence systems being developed at the complex. He was also briefed on ‘Zorawar’, India's first indigenous, highly-agile light battle tank developed by DRDO and L&T Defence to dominate mountainous terrains.

The air-transportable 25-tonne tank has been designed for rapid deployment largely along the LAC with China. Named after the legendary 19th-century Dogra general Zorawar Singh, it delivers formidable firepower and rapid deployability.

After the visit, the PM posted on X: "This afternoon, went to the L&T complex at Hazira. Witnessed some of their pioneering innovations across different sectors. The role played by L&T in furthering self-reliance in the defence sector is commendable.”

On the defence exhibition, he posted, “I had the opportunity to participate in an exhibition held in Hazira, Gujarat, where I witnessed the country's growing capabilities in the defence sector under the 'Make in India' initiative. This exhibition is an excellent example of our efforts to promote indigenous production in the defense sector.”

The visit comes at a time when L&T has been shortlisted as a potential bidder for the Request for Proposal (RFP) of India's indigenous fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project.