India MoD Orders 100 Additional K9 Vajra Guns from Larsen and Toubro: New Delhi – In a significant boost to its artillery modernization efforts, the Indian Ministry of Defence has inked a ₹7,628.70 crore (approximately $897.5 million USD) contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns. The contract, signed on December 20, 2024, at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, falls under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, underscoring the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
This acquisition of the K9 VAJRA-T is poised to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and modernize its artillery capabilities. The versatile artillery gun, known for its exceptional cross-country mobility, will play a crucial role in augmenting the Army’s firepower. Its advanced capabilities will enable deeper strikes with enhanced precision, and its lethal firepower will significantly bolster artillery effectiveness across diverse terrains, from plains to mountains.
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Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the K9 VAJRA-T is designed to deliver long-range, highly accurate, and rapid-fire capabilities. Its robust design allows it to operate effectively even in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude areas, ensuring its operational readiness in challenging environments.
Beyond its military advantages, the project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits, creating more than nine lakh man-days of employment over the next four years. It will also foster active participation from various Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributing to the growth of the domestic defense industrial base. The project is a prime example of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision and aligns perfectly with the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative, promoting indigenous manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
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100th K9 Vajra delivered (File Photo).
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The K9 VAJRA: A Proven Track Record
The K9 VAJRA-T is the Indian variant of the South Korean K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, adapted to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army, particularly for operations in desert terrains. The successful induction and deployment of the initial batches of K9 VAJRA guns have already demonstrated their effectiveness and reliability within the Indian Army. The addition of these new guns will further strengthen the artillery corps and provide a significant edge in potential conflict scenarios.
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Larsen & Toubro: A Key Player in Indian Defence
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a major Indian conglomerate with a significant presence in the defense sector. The company has established itself as a reliable partner for the Indian armed forces, contributing to various defense programs through indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. L&T’s involvement in the K9 VAJRA-T program highlights its expertise in complex engineering and its commitment to supporting the ‘Make-in-India’ initiative. The company has invested heavily in developing advanced manufacturing facilities and has built a robust supply chain to support the production of these sophisticated artillery systems.
India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh & L&T factory in Gujarat (File Photo).
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Hanwha Defense: A Global Leader in Artillery Systems
Hanwha Defense, a South Korean defense company, is the original designer and manufacturer of the K9 Thunder howitzer, upon which the K9 VAJRA-T is based. Hanwha Defense has a long history of developing advanced artillery systems and is a recognized global leader in this field. The company’s collaboration with L&T for the K9 VAJRA-T program has facilitated the transfer of technology and enabled indigenous production in India, fostering a strong partnership between the two companies and contributing to the growth of India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
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