India deployed comprising T-90 and T-72 CIA (Combat Improved Ajeya) tanks which were air lifted to reach at the frontline by India. Whereas on the other side of border, Pakistan mobilized its Type 15/ VT-5 light tanks in the area.
However, the VT-5’s lighter 105mm main cannon could do less damage to a modern Main Battle Tank and could be easily outpowered by the Indian T-90s and T-72CIAs in a head-on firefight.
The VT-5s were designed with the assumption that they are less likely to encounter heavy Indian tanks at such high altitudes but the Indian Army surprised the PLA.
Still, employing these costly assets to the frontline posed several logistical issues. Thus, the need for a lighter tank was acutely felt. The Indian Army thus floated a Request for Information (RFI) in April to acquire 350 light tanks for deployment in assorted terrain.
Amid speculations that the service will procure Russian Sprut Light Tanks, the South Korean defence manufacturer Hanwha told Janes about their proposal to the Indian Army. Notably, Hanwha is already in collaboration with the Indian company Larsen & Toubro to manufacture K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer artillery pieces.
A spokesperson from Hanwha Defense said, “Hanwha Defense is willing to offer its K21-105 Light Tank solution for Indian Army requirement, and we would also be pleased to offer K21-105 Light Tank to Indian Army as ‘Make in India’ product,” Janes reported.
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