The Ministry of Defence has finalized a ₹7,628.70-crore agreement with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the acquisition of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns for the Indian Army. These advanced artillery systems, developed under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ initiative, aim to bolster the Army’s firepower and operational capability.
Equipped with high mobility, precision targeting, and long-range firepower, the K9 VAJRA-T guns are designed for performance across varied terrains, including high altitudes and sub-zero temperatures. Their versatility will significantly enhance the Army’s capability for precision strikes and extended-range operations.
The initiative is expected to modernize India’s artillery systems while supporting the Make in India mission. The project will create over nine lakh man-days of employment within four years and actively involve Indian industries, including MSMEs, fostering domestic manufacturing.
“This indigenous artillery system, with its mobility and precision, will strengthen the firepower of the Indian Army and exemplify the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ under the Make in India drive,” stated the Ministry of Defence.
“The second batch of K9 Vajra-T will, like the first, be manufactured at our state-of-the-art Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat,” said Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems. “This advanced manufacturing facility, inaugurated by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in January 2019, has been pivotal in developing and producing armoured and artillery platforms within an integrated industrial ecosystem that includes numerous MSME partners.”
He further emphasized, “We remain committed to contributing to an Aatmanirbhar Bharat by equipping India’s defence forces with indigenously manufactured equipment, thereby strengthening self-reliance in the defence sector.”
The K9 VAJRA-T is a state-of-the-art self-propelled tracked artillery gun designed to enhance the firepower and mobility of modern armed forces. Built on the robust K9 Thunder platform developed by South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, the VAJRA-T has been indigenized and manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under the Make in India initiative. This 155mm/52-caliber gun boasts superior firepower, rapid mobility, and precision targeting capabilities, making it ideal for high-intensity and long-range engagements. Its advanced features include automatic loading systems, advanced fire control, and effective armor protection. Engineered to withstand extreme climatic conditions, the K9 VAJRA-T is particularly suited for India’s diverse operational terrains, ranging from deserts to high-altitude regions, and has become a critical asset for the Indian Army’s artillery modernization program.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a leading multinational conglomerate headquartered in India, renowned for its expertise in engineering, construction, manufacturing, and technology services. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, L&T has played a pivotal role in developing infrastructure and defense capabilities in India. Its diversified portfolio includes projects in sectors such as power, transportation, water, and heavy engineering. In the defense sector, L&T has established itself as a key player, contributing to India’s self-reliance through the indigenization of critical technologies and the development of cutting-edge defense systems, including the K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns and naval vessels. Committed to innovation, sustainability, and excellence, L&T continues to drive economic growth and technological progress both in India and globally.
