The Ministry of Defence has signed a landmark contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the procurement of 155 mm/52 caliber K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns under the Buy (Indian) category. The contract, valued at ₹7,628.70 crore, was finalized in a formal ceremony at South Block, New Delhi
The K9 Vajra-T is a state-of-the-art, self-propelled artillery gun system designed for precision strikes and high mobility. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the gun is capable of delivering long-range lethal fire with high accuracy and an impressive rate of fire. Its versatility and cross-country mobility make it a critical asset for the Indian Army, particularly in high-altitude and sub-zero temperature environments like Ladakh, where it has already proven its mettle during cold-climate trials.
The acquisition of the K9 Vajra-T is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and strike capabilities. This addition to the artillery arsenal aligns with the broader aim of modernizing India’s defense forces and boosting their preparedness across varied terrains.
Strategic Importance
The K9 Vajra-T artillery system will serve as a critical force multiplier for the Indian Army, offering:
- Enhanced Firepower: Precision targeting with long-range capabilities.
- Operational Mobility: Superior cross-country movement for rapid deployment.
- Terrain Versatility: Effective performance in varied operational environments, from deserts to high-altitude regions.
- Indigenous Innovation: A flagship project under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The procurement of K9 Vajra-T is a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. As part of the Make-in-India drive, this project is expected to generate over nine lakh man-days of employment over four years, engaging a wide array of Indian industries, including MSMEs.
L&T, in collaboration with Indian and South Korean partners, will oversee the production and integration of the artillery systems, marking a significant milestone in Indigenous defense manufacturing. The project also showcases India’s potential as an exporter of advanced defense technologies, with discussions underway to market the K9 Vajra-T variant to other countries.
