L&T’s Ongoing K9 Vajra-T Production for Indian Army
India continues to strengthen its artillery firepower with an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) secured the order months ago, signing a $253 million contract with Hanwha Aerospace to supply key components for the new batch.
Strengthening Indigenous Production
This contract follows the successful induction of the first 100 K9 Vajra-T units ordered in 2017. The first batch, assembled by L&T in India, featured over 50% indigenous content. The latest contract aims to push this localization level to 60%, further enhancing India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il emphasized the growing defense collaboration, stating, “This follow-up order reflects the deepening partnership between Korea and India. We remain committed to supporting India’s defense self-reliance goals.”
Performance and Deployment of K9 Vajra-T
The K9 Vajra-T, based on the South Korean K9 Thunder, features a 155mm/52-caliber gun with exceptional range and rapid-fire capability. It has proven its effectiveness across India’s diverse and challenging terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions. The howitzer provides precision firepower with a high rate of fire, ensuring operational superiority for the Indian Army.
India’s Previous K9 Vajra-T Deal and Future Prospects
The Indian Army first ordered 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers in 2017 under a $720 million contract with L&T. The contract mandated technology transfer from Hanwha Aerospace, allowing L&T to assemble the howitzers at its Hazira plant in Gujarat. The entire fleet was delivered by 2021, significantly enhancing India’s artillery modernization efforts.
Given the system’s success, the Army has pursued additional orders to bolster its firepower, particularly for deployment in high-altitude regions like Ladakh. Reports indicate that future procurement could involve further localization and upgraded variants of the K9 Vajra-T.
Expanding India-South Korea Defense Ties
Beyond the K9 Vajra-T program, India and South Korea have expanded defense cooperation across multiple sectors, including land systems, aerospace, and maritime technologies. Hanwha Aerospace, alongside L&T, is also exploring potential collaboration in air defense systems and next-generation military technologies.
This ongoing production strengthens India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing and reinforces its strategic partnership with South Korea, paving the way for future joint development programs in advanced weaponry.
2000 crores, earlier it was more than this amount. What is L&T lacking in knowledge, experience and expertise? Painful