Defence ministry inks ₹7,629-crore deal with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T guns

In a major push for the Indian Army's artillery modernisation efforts, the Ministry of Defence on Friday inked a ₹Rs 7,628.70-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns.

The procurement of additional K9 Vajra-T guns, manufactured by L&T with technology transfer from South Korean firm Hanwha Techwin, is expected to enhance the operational readiness of the Army.

The deal for new batch of K9 Vajra guns comes after the Army inducted 100 of them under a 2017 contract worth $720 million. Originally designed for desert warfare, the K9 Vajras have since been upgraded and deployed in challenging terrains like Ladakh, where they have proven their worth in high-altitude operations.

Known for their versatility, the K9 Vajras can deliver precise, long-range firepower and operate effectively in sub-zero temperatures. With their advanced technology, high mobility, and quick strike capability, the artillery guns are expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the Army’s operational edge in varied terrains.

"The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance overall operational readiness of the Indian Army," the defence ministry said in a release.

"This versatile artillery gun, with its cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strike with precision and its lethal firepower will bolster the capability of artillery in all terrains," he added.

The deal is expected to generate over nine lakh man-days of employment over the next four years and provide a significant boost to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative by promoting indigenous defence manufacturing, according to the defence ministry. The project will involve active participation from Indian industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.

Last week, the defence ministry signed a ₹13,500-crore contract with Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft along with associated equipment.

"The aircraft would have an indigenous content of 62.6%, enhanced due to indiginisation of many components to be manufactured by Indian defence industry," the ministry said.

The 12 Su-30MKI will be manufactured at the Nasik division of HAL.