The Ministry of Defense in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh has signed an agreement with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. for procurement of 155mm/52 caliber K9 Vajra-T self-propelled track artillery guns for the Indian Army under the procurement (Indian) category. Photo Credit: ANI at South Block in New Delhi on December 20, 2024
The Ministry of Defense on Friday (December 20, 2024) signed a ₹ 7,629 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for 100 additional 155mm/52 caliber K9 Vajra-T self-propelled track artillery guns for the Indian Army.
“The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will spur modernization of artillery and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army,” a Defense Ministry statement said. The agreement was signed by senior officials of the Ministry and representatives of L&T in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.
According to the ministry, the gun equipped with the latest technology is capable of extinguishing long-range lethal fire with high accuracy, high rate of fire and can operate at full capacity at high altitudes in sub-zero temperatures. . The project will generate over nine lakh man-days of employment over a period of four years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries, including MSMEs, it added.
At the height of tensions in eastern Ladakh, the army deployed a regiment of K-9 Vajra tracked self-propelled howitzers to increase its long-range firepower in the face of the massive Chinese build-up there. The K9 Vajra is manufactured by L&T with technology transfer from South Korean defense major Hanwha Defense. Impressed by their performance, the army is looking to buy 200 more weapons in two batches. The K9 Vajra was introduced primarily for use in deserts, and the standoff with China prompted the military to deploy it in the mountains.
published – Dec 20, 2024 09:38 pm IST