M977 Mark 1 Light Tank

The humid air around the big manufacturing complex of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) near Bengaluru carried anticipation of many.

After a year of tireless work under strict secrecy, the engineering team at L&T had finally completed their most ambitious project yet: the M977 Mark 1 Light Tank, a prototype that symbolized India's strides toward self-reliance in defense production.

Designed to be nimble, effective, and easy to manufacture with locally sourced components, this tank embodied the vision of Prime Minister Rohan's defense reforms initiated a year earlier.

This was more than just a tank, it was a statement of India's growing capability in a field historically dominated by Western powers.

The invitation to witness the unveiling of this groundbreaking vehicle had been sent directly to Rohan.