Hanwha Aerospace-Larsen & Toubro will supply 100 more K9-Vajra to Indian Army: New Delhi, India – A significant step in the growing defence partnership between South Korea and India was solidified with the signing of a new contract between Hanwha Aerospace and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the supply of components for an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm/52-caliber Self-Propelled Howitzers to the Indian Army. The signing ceremony, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi, underscored the strategic importance of this collaboration for both nations. According to a company statement, the contract is valued at $253 million.
This second contract builds upon the success of the initial 2017 agreement, which saw the delivery of 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers. These systems have proven their mettle in the diverse and challenging terrains of India, showcasing exceptional performance and reliability across a range of operational environments. The Indian Army‘s positive feedback on the initial batch played a crucial role in securing this follow-on order, solidifying the K9 Vajra-T’s reputation as a world-class artillery platform.
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A key aspect of this new contract is the enhanced focus on indigenous production. While the first K9 Vajra-T program achieved a commendable level of over 50% local manufacturing, the latest agreement aims to elevate this to 60%. This increase in local production signifies a significant stride towards India’s vision of achieving defense manufacturing self-reliance, a core tenet of the nation’s strategic objectives.
This commitment to increased local content underscores the deepening industrial cooperation between the two countries, fostering technology transfer and bolstering India’s domestic defense capabilities.
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The 2nd K9-Vajra order signed at South Korean Embassy in New Delhi, India (03.04.2025)
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“This follow-up order reflects the deepening defense partnership between Korea and India,” stated Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace, during the signing ceremony. “We will continue to be a trusted, reliable partner for India’s defense capabilities in the years ahead, supporting India’s vision for defense manufacturing self-reliance.”
The expanding defense cooperation between South Korea and India encompasses a wide spectrum of technologies, including land systems, aerospace, and maritime technologies.
Indian Army’s K-9 Vajra Gun
The success of the K9 Vajra program has laid a strong foundation for exploring further collaborative opportunities in critical areas such as air defense systems and advanced military technologies. This broader collaboration highlights the strategic alignment between the two nations in addressing evolving security challenges.
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Hanwha’s K9 gun.
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Hanwha Aerospace’s commitment to India extends beyond the K9 Vajra-T program. The company’s comprehensive portfolio, which includes advanced air defense systems and aerospace technologies, aligns seamlessly with India’s ambitious military modernization goals. This strategic alignment opens up numerous avenues for future collaboration, potentially leading to joint ventures and technology transfers in critical defense sectors.
The successful implementation of the K9 Vajra-T program, coupled with the commitment to increased indigenous production, exemplifies the growing defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and India.
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This partnership not only strengthens India’s defense capabilities but also fosters a robust framework for future collaborative projects in defense manufacturing, setting a precedent for mutually beneficial strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. As both nations navigate the complexities of modern security challenges, this collaboration is poised to play a crucial role in ensuring regional stability and security.
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