SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has placed an order for 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, bringing the total number to 200 units, with plans to order 100 more in the near future. While the K9 Vajra, manufactured by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in collaboration with South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, has proven its reliability and effectiveness, questions have been raised about whether the Army missed an opportunity to revive a wholly indigenous alternative, the Bhim self-propelled howitzer.
The K9 Vajra, powered by a 1,000 hp engine and equipped with a 155mm/52-caliber gun, has emerged as a vital asset for the Army. Designed to operate in diverse terrains, including the harsh conditions of Ladakh, it has become a key component of India’s artillery modernization efforts. The first batch of 100 howitzers was inducted successfully, and the Army’s decision to procure 200 more highlights its trust in the platform.
The Bhim self-propelled howitzer was a promising indigenous project initiated by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the early 2000s. The Bhim platform combined the Arjun main battle tank’s chassis with a South African 155mm howitzer turret. Despite successful trials and favorable reviews, the project was shelved due to geopolitical and procurement challenges, including the fallout from international sanctions on South Africa.
The Bhim could have been a viable alternative had the Army projected its requirement for 300 self-propelled howitzers at the outset. A clear and substantial demand could have justified the development costs and led to the creation of a fully indigenous system, reducing reliance on foreign partnerships.
The decision to opt for the K9 Vajra over reviving the Bhim project reflects the Army’s immediate operational needs. However, this approach has implications for India’s long-term defense strategy. While the K9 Vajra features significant indigenization, a fully indigenous platform like the Bhim would have further bolstered India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, aligned with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
With the additional orders for the K9 Vajra, the focus now shifts to fulfilling operational requirements efficiently. However, the episode serves as a lesson for better long-term planning in defense acquisitions. By aligning projected requirements with indigenous development capabilities from the outset, India can maximize the potential of its domestic defense industry.