AVNL Complete Design & Development of Bharat Light Tank by 2025 End, Prototype Expected by 2026

Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, is on the cusp of completing the design and development of its indigenous Bharat Light Tank by the end of 2025. The first prototype is slated for rollout by late 2026, marking a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-reliance in defense technology.

The Bharat Light Tank is being developed under the Indian Army's "Futuristic Light Tank (FLT)" program, which aims to enhance mobility and firepower in high-altitude and rugged terrains. The project is fully indigenous, aligning with the government's "Make in India" initiative. AVNL is collaborating with Western defense partners like John Cockerill and Elbit Systems to integrate advanced technologies into the tank's design.

The tank’s specifications highlight its role as a lightweight yet potent platform. Weighing approximately 25–30 tonnes, it is designed to balance protection and mobility. It will have a crew of 3 personnel and feature a 105mm high-pressure rifled gun as its primary armament, complemented by a 7.62mm anti-aircraft machine gun, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and smoke grenade launchers. While engine details remain classified, the tank is engineered for rapid deployment in mountainous and challenging terrains, with enhanced armor to ensure crew safety.

The development timeline sets 2025 for the completion of the design and development phase, with the prototype rollout expected by late 2026. Following this, user trials and eventual induction into service are planned, making it a key component of India’s armored warfare modernization.

Strategically, the Bharat Light Tank is tailored for operations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and in the mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir. Its lightweight design ensures rapid mobility, while its firepower guarantees effectiveness against adversarial armored units. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to indigenous defense capabilities and reduces dependence on foreign military hardware.

AVNL's Bharat Light Tank represents a significant advancement in India’s defense technology. With design completion slated for the end of 2025 and the prototype expected by late 2026, the tank is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s armored warfare strategy, strengthening national security while showcasing India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense manufacturing.