For years, India’s armoured strength depended on heavy tanks like the T-72 and T-90. While powerful on plains, they struggled in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where steep terrain made 40–50 ton machines hard to manoeuvre.
On 6 September 2025, Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd (KSSL), the defence arm of Bharat Forge, unveiled the Bharat Forge KSSL light tank. At just 25–30 tons, it combines mobility, firepower, and modern technology, built for high-altitude mountains and desert operations.
As a defence follower, I see this not just as another tank, but as a shift in India’s approach, proving private industry can now match roles once reserved for state-run organisations.
Built for Speed and Flexibility
The Bharat Forge KSSL light tank addresses a gap long recognised by the Army. Heavy tanks provide power but struggle in terrain where mobility is essential. This new platform offers:
- Rapid deployment through C-17 aircraft, allowing quick reinforcement.
- High manoeuvrability across mountains, deserts, and urban zones.
- Operational flexibility in both conventional wars and border clashes.
The ability to transport and deploy quickly makes it a force multiplier. It ensures India can respond with speed where heavy armour is limited.
The Glass Cockpit Advantage
A defining feature of this tank is its glass cockpit. Instead of analogue dials, the crew sees a digital dashboard displaying:
- Weapons status and ammunition levels
- Enemy detection and alerts
- Navigation and terrain data
- Secure communication feeds
This creates superior situational awareness. Commanders can make faster and smarter decisions under pressure. From my perspective, this cockpit brings Indian armour closer to the sophistication seen in advanced global militaries.
Automated Ammunition Handling
Reloading in combat is both time-consuming and dangerous. The Bharat Forge KSSL light tank integrates an automated ammunition handling system that feeds rounds directly into the turret.
This innovation provides:
- Faster reload speeds in battle
- Greater safety for the crew under fire
- Reduced physical strain on operators
- Consistent and accurate firepower delivery
Automation ensures that the tank remains combat-ready even during sustained engagements.
AI Sensors and Predictive Maintenance
The tank also features AI-powered sensors that monitor propulsion, weapons, armour, and electronics in real time.
Through predictive maintenance, crews are alerted to potential issues before breakdowns occur. This increases reliability and keeps availability high. In Ladakh’s extreme cold or Rajasthan’s heat, this capability is critical. Soldiers gain confidence knowing their platform will perform when it matters most.
Light Tank vs Heavy Tank
Heavy tanks and light tanks serve complementary roles.
- Heavy tanks excel in large-scale battles where sheer firepower dominates.
- Light tanks provide agility, rapid deployment, and adaptability in difficult terrain.
By fielding both, the Indian Army ensures a balanced armoured fleet capable of meeting challenges across multiple environments.
Comparison: Zorawar and Global Counterparts
India is already pursuing the Zorawar light tank project, developed jointly by DRDO and L&T. While Zorawar is tailored specifically for the Army’s requirement of about 350 light tanks, the KSSL light tank represents a parallel push from the private sector.
Globally, light tanks are being revived for similar reasons.
- China fields the Type 15, deployed on the Tibetan plateau.
- Russia uses the Sprut-SD for air-deployable missions.
- The US recently approved the Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF).
By unveiling its own private-sector light tank, India now joins this global trend while adding diversity to its options.
Army Procurement Context
The demand for light tanks grew urgent after the 2020 Ladakh standoff with China. The Army needed armour that could operate where T-90s and T-72s faltered.
The official requirement stands at 350 light tanks. While the Zorawar is undergoing trials, the KSSL light tank offers another potential solution. Future Army evaluations will likely test both platforms in Ladakh’s icy terrain and the Thar Desert, before selecting the most suitable option.
For India, this competition is healthy; it pushes innovation and reduces reliance on imports.
Strategic Importance
The unveiling of the Bharat Forge KSSL light tank is strategically significant.
- In Ladakh, it delivers mobility through high passes where heavy tanks struggle.
- In deserts, it enables fast strikes across wide-open terrain.
- In cities, its compact design supports manoeuvres in dense streets.
This adaptability strengthens India’s readiness across varied battlefields. It also enhances deterrence by ensuring that the Army has tools for every scenario.
Future Upgrades
The 25–30 ton design provides room for further modernisation. Potential upgrades include:
- Active Protection Systems (APS) against incoming missiles
- Network-centric warfare integration with drones, radars, and artillery
- AI-driven fire control for faster targeting
- Modular add-ons for armour, sensors, or electronic warfare
This flexibility ensures the tank will remain effective for decades to come.
Industry and Make in India Angle
Bharat Forge is one of India’s largest private engineering companies, with a strong global footprint. Through KSSL, it has steadily expanded into defence.
The light tank represents the maturing of India’s private defence industry. For years, tanks and armoured vehicles were the domain of state-run factories. Now, private players are showing they can deliver sophisticated platforms.
This aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, reducing import dependency and opening possibilities for exports to friendly nations in Asia and Africa. It demonstrates how industry and the military can collaborate for a stronger future.
My Perspective
From my view, the KSSL light tank is a milestone. It shows that private industry is no longer just a supplier but an innovator driving progress.
The Army demanded agility, advanced technology, and indigenous solutions. This tank delivers all three. More importantly, it demonstrates that India is now setting benchmarks rather than following them.
Key Highlights
- Weight: 25–30 tons, ideal for high-altitude and desert operations
- Glass cockpit: digital battle management system
- Automated ammunition handling: faster reloads, safer operations
- AI sensors: predictive maintenance and diagnostics
- Air transportable: deployable via C-17 aircraft
- Indigenous design: part of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
Final Thoughts
The Bharat Forge KSSL light tank is not just a new armoured vehicle. It is a symbol of India’s defence transformation.
For the Army, it offers agility, safety, and awareness. For the nation, it signals self-reliance and innovation.
In 2025, this tank represents India’s ability to design, build, and field the future of armoured warfare on its own terms.
FAQs
- Q1: What is the Bharat Forge KSSL light tank?
It is a 25–30 ton indigenous light tank unveiled in September 2025, designed for high-altitude and desert warfare. - Q2: How is it different from heavy tanks?
Heavy tanks excel in plains, while the KSSL light tank provides mobility and rapid deployment in difficult terrain. - Q3: Where will it be used?
In Ladakh, Rajasthan, and urban combat environments. - Q4: How does it compare globally?
It matches global peers like China’s Type 15 and the US MPF, bringing India into the light tank club. - Q5: What makes it unique?
It’s a glass cockpit, an automated ammunition system, and AI-powered diagnostics.