NEW DELHI, June 7 -- The Indian Army expects to induct the Zorawar light tank in 2028-29 after issues flagged during its development and trials are fixed, a move that will significantly boost the deployment speed and combat response of armoured regiments in the mountains, armychief General Upendra Dwivedi said. "Issues noticed during development and testing are being addressed through the normal design refinement cycle. Based on present timelines, Zorawar's induction is likely in the 2028-2029 timeframe, subject to successful completion of trials, user evaluation and production readiness," Dwivedi said in an interview with HT. The tank-earlier expected to be ready for induction in 2027-will strengthen the army's posture against Chinese forces along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC). The tank has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro under Project Zorawar to meet the Indian Army's requirement for 354 light tanks-a capability boost that is likely to cost around Rs.17,500 crore. Zorawar, a 25-tonne tank, is a major stride towards indigenous capability and reflects the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the army chief said....