SOURCE: AFI
Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India’s leading private defense manufacturer, is poised to commence deliveries of an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPHs) to the Indian Army by the end of 2025, bolstering the nation’s artillery modernization efforts. This follows the successful delivery of the initial batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers between 2018 and 2021, which have proven their mettle in diverse terrains, including the high-altitude regions of Ladakh. The new order, valued at ?7,628.7 crore ($890 million), was formalized on December 24, 2024, with South Korean partner Hanwha Aerospace, marking a significant step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The K9 Vajra-T, a 155mm/52-caliber tracked SPH based on Hanwha Aerospace’s K9 Thunder, is tailored for the Indian Army’s operational needs, offering enhanced mobility, firepower, and survivability. With a firing range of up to 40 km using K307 Base Bleed HE ammunition and a burst rate of three rounds in 15 seconds, the howitzer is designed to support rapid, high-intensity engagements. Its ability to operate in extreme conditions, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the frigid mountains of Ladakh, has made it a cornerstone of the Indian Army’s artillery modernization plan.
The new contract, signed after extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Defence (MoD), aims to increase the localization level from over 50% in the first batch to approximately 60% in the second, incorporating more indigenous subsystems such as fire control, communication, and ammunition handling systems. This enhanced domestic content is expected to strengthen India’s defense industrial ecosystem, with L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex (ASC) in Hazira, Gujarat, serving as the production hub. The 40-acre facility, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, has already demonstrated its capability by delivering the initial 100 howitzers ahead of schedule.
The Indian Army’s decision to procure an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T units was driven by the system’s proven performance during the 2020 India-China standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. Initially designed for desert operations, the howitzers were adapted with winterization kits and modified range tables to excel in high-altitude, sub-zero conditions. The deployment of a full regiment (18 guns) in Ladakh showcased their ability to provide long-range, precise firepower, prompting the Army to expand its fleet to meet growing regional threats, particularly from China.
The new batch of K9 Vajra-T howitzers will incorporate operator feedback, potentially including upgraded subsystems to enhance performance. The contract also includes a Life Cycle Support Contract (LCSC) to ensure sustained operational readiness, with a Request for Proposal issued on November 1, 2024. Deliveries are scheduled to continue through early 2028, equipping the Army with a total of 200 K9 Vajra-T systems to bolster its mechanized strike corps and mountain deployments.
This procurement aligns with the Indian Army’s broader artillery modernization strategy, which aims to standardize its gun systems to 155mm/52-caliber by 2042. Alongside the K9 Vajra-T, the Army is inducting other systems like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Dhanush, and Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch Systems to enhance its firepower across diverse terrains. The K9 Vajra-T’s ability to keep pace with tank columns, coupled with its Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability, positions it as a critical asset for both offensive and defensive operations.
L&T’s collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, initiated in 2012, has been instrumental in establishing India as a key player in the global defense market. The $253 million contract signed on April 3, 2025, for component supplies underscores the deepening defense partnership between India and South Korea. With over 80% of the work localized and a supply chain spanning Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the K9 Vajra-T program continues to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to India’s economy.
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