The Indian Army is preparing to submit a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the procurement of 100 more K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer guns, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move aims to further bolster the Army's artillery capabilities along its borders with China and Pakistan.
The K-9 Vajra, a 155mm, 52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer with a range exceeding 50 kilometers, has already been deployed by the Indian Army at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. These howitzers have proven their effectiveness in diverse terrains and extreme weather conditions, from the high altitudes of the Himalayas to the plains of Punjab.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the Indian manufacturer of the K-9 Vajra, is expected to receive a significant order for these advanced artillery systems once the CCS approves the proposal. The K-9 Vajra is produced at L&T's Armoured Systems Complex in Gujarat, based on technology transferred from South Korean defence firm Hanwha Defence. However, L&T has significantly indigenized the production process, contributing to India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Although the Indian Army initiated the procurement process over a year ago, the acquisition has faced delays, partly attributed to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The initial contract for 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers, awarded to L&T in 2017, was valued at ₹4500 crore and successfully completed ahead of schedule in 2021. Sources indicate that the cost for this new batch of 100 howitzers is likely to be considerably higher.
The acquisition of these additional K-9 Vajras will significantly enhance the Indian Army's long-range artillery firepower, enabling it to effectively counter potential threats and maintain a strategic advantage in critical border areas. This move underscores India's commitment to modernizing its armed forces and ensuring its national security in a complex geopolitical environment.
