Description
Light Tank Market
Frequently Asked Questions of LT Market
Army light tank was originally designed for quick maneuvers both inside and outside of combat, thus outmaneuvering bigger tanks. Its smaller size, thinner armor, and weaker main gun are designed for superior tactical mobility, and simplicity in logistics, and transport. They are mostly used by expeditionary forces for screening, skirmishing, artillery observation, armored reconnaissance, and supporting landing operations in a fire support role when larger, heavier tanks are not available or have trouble functioning safely or effectively.
Light tanks were noted to be key components of the pre-World War II army buildup. It was anticipated that these tanks would be used to take advantage of breaks in the enemy lines caused by slower, heavier tanks in order to sabotage communications and supply routes. During this time, several other smaller models for tank designs known as “tankettes,” and “combat automobiles,” were created according to light tank market analysis experts.
Major factors driving Light Tank Market Growth
As per light tank market analysis, the growing military expenditure across developing nations is one of the major factors contributing to the light tank market growth for army light tank market size. Additionally, rising geopolitical tensions between various world powers are another element that is predicted to influence the purchase of military weapons on international light tank markets. The Indian Army is giving priority to buying an army light tank called “Zorawar” for use in the mountains in response to the impasse with China in eastern Ladakh. The Army published a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2021 for the purchase of 350 light tanks with a weight limit of 25 tonnes, as well as performance-based logistics, specialized technologies, an engineering support package, and additional maintenance and training needs.
According to the “Make in India” initiative, the project, which has already gained in-principle approval, is scheduled to be purchased under the “Make-I” acquisition category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020. It won’t be long before the Defence Acquisition Council issues its Acceptance of Necessity (AON). According to the requirements of the Army, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are working together to build a light tank.
Trends Influencing the LT Market Size
One of the major light tank market growths that is expected to increase the usage of combat helicopters in the international light tank markets is the expansion of indigenous programs. With its “Make in India” strategy, India is renowned for making progress in this area. As per the multiplier effect, it is known that the implementation of homegrown programs boosts direct and indirect employment prospects within a country, which is projected to be a major light tank market driver for homegrown manufacturing of aerospace and defense-related equipment.
LT Market Forecast & Dynamics
According to the market report, the growth in the defense budget and the brewing geo-political conflicts between nations in APAC like India, China and Pakistan is poised to accelerate the growth associated with the procurement of light tank vehicles in this region. The use of this technology is hereby poised to increase the two nations’ combat ability across the battlefield.
Presently, China is using a variety of light tanks, whilst India is using heavier tanks like the T-90 and T-72. In response to the border impasse with India, Beijing has stationed third-generation modern light tanks along the LAC over the past two years. Since Chinese ZTQ-15 light tanks were able to move quickly across mountainous terrain that Indian armored battalions with T-72s found challenging to maneuver at heights of up to 17,500 feet, this gave Chinese forces a substantial edge over Indian forces. India’s response to this problem has been to buy light tanks and start Project Zorawar, which intends to provide light tanks with the ability to mobilize and deploy more quickly in high-altitude battle zones.
Another key trend that is expected to affect the overall defense procurement of nations across the global light tank markets is the growing defense budget. However, a key hindrance to the same could potentially be the burgeoning inflation. The growth in inflation is likely to increase wages, this has the potential to boost employee retention within the aerospace and defense division. However, it is also noted that an increase in the defense budget could subsequently result in a crimping of overall defense expenditure.
Light Tank Market Analysis for Recent Developments
The nearly 30-month-long conflict between India and China in eastern Ladakh has brought to light the crucial operational necessity for India to begin a massive indigenous procurement initiative for 354 light tanks. According to sources, the defense ministry has settled the Army’s long-standing dispute with the DRDO regarding light tanks that can be quickly deployed after being flown to riverine regions like the Rann of Kutch and Ladakh for high-altitude warfare.
The indigenous Zorawar light tank prototype, designed for mountain warfare, will be unveiled in December 2023. After initially considering a German firm, India chose the American company Cummins for the engines of these tanks in October. The DRDO has decided to use the US engine for the time being, and the prototype will be unveiled with those engines. The reason for this is that the German government previously did not grant BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) clearance to German companies. These clearances are for export controls. The Zorawar was designed specifically to operate at high altitudes, countering Chinese armored deployments in high-terrain warfare. The tank, weighing 25 tonnes, will be air transportable. Since 2020, the Indian Army has been at odds with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in eastern Ladakh. According to reports, the PLA has deployed light armored vehicles at high altitudes. According to reports, Zorawar will have greater mobility and firepower accuracy than the Chinese Type 15 tanks deployed along the Ladakh border. Because T72s and T90s are designed to be deployed in plains and deserts, there was a need for a light tank. Even though the Army already uses them in Ladakh, these tanks are heavier and less maneuverable.
