The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday signed a Rs. 7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to procure 100 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery. These advanced 155mm/52 calibre guns will be manufactured locally under a technology transfer agreement with South Korean firm Hanwha Techwin, reinforcing the government’s “Make in India” initiative. The procurement of K9 guns will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army, the MoD said.
In its statement, the MoD highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “The procurement of K9 Vajra-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army. This versatile artillery gun, with its exceptional cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strikes with precision. Its lethal firepower will bolster the capability of artillery across all terrains.”
MoD signed a contract with @larsentoubro in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh for procurement of K9 VAJRA-T Self Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns worth Rs 7628.70 cr under Buy (INDIAN) Category, boosting #IndianArmy’s firepower. These state-of-the-art… pic.twitter.com/7Ao4rxWAE6
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) December 20, 2024
The K9 Vajra-T, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is capable of delivering long-range, high-accuracy strikes at a high rate of fire. Designed for extreme conditions, the gun can operate effectively in sub-zero temperatures, making it particularly suited for deployment in high-altitude areas. This feature has already proven valuable, as several units have been deployed in the challenging terrain of the Ladakh sector along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
This procurement marks a repeat order under the “Buy (Indian)” category. The Indian Army had previously inducted 100 K9 Vajra-T guns under a 2017 contract worth $720 million. Initially designed for desert operations, the guns have since been adapted for versatile roles, including mountain warfare.
The MoD’s decision underscores the focus on strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities and enhancing the armed forces’ combat readiness. With its superior mobility, precision, and adaptability, the K9 Vajra-T is set to be a cornerstone in the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation efforts, enabling it to counter emerging threats and maintain operational superiority effectively.
Team BharatShakti
