The Army is set to enhance its firepower with the acquisition of 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns. Manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Hazira facility, these guns have been specially upgraded to meet the Army’s operational needs in high-altitude regions with extreme weather conditions. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement on Thursday, paving the way for the contract’s finalization. L&T has also increased the indigenous content in these howitzers, underscoring the “Make in India” initiative. The K9 Vajra guns have already been deployed effectively in the desert sector and along the Chinese front in the Ladakh sector, further strengthening the Army’s operational readiness.
The K-9 Vajra artillery guns, proven effective in both extreme heat and cold conditions, are based on technology transferred from South Korea’s Hanwha Defence. However, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has made significant strides in indigenizing a substantial portion of the components, contributing to the government’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) initiative in the defence sector. L&T, which secured the initial contract in 2017, successfully delivered the first batch of 100 K-9 Vajra guns ahead of schedule in 2021, showcasing its efficiency and commitment to bolstering India’s defence capabilities.
Team BharatShakti
