The Indian Army is preparing to purchase more than 300 K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers to strengthen its long-range firepower and fast mobile artillery power. This possible deal of about Rs 23 thousand crore is considered to be the biggest artillery purchase of the Indian Army in the last several decades. According to sources related to defense and security, this proposal can be placed before the Defense Procurement Board (DPB) for approval this week.
After the approval of the proposal, this order is likely to be given to the Indian company, which manufactures K9 Vajra guns in India in collaboration with a South Korean company. After the new deal, the total number of K9 Vajra guns to be manufactured by L&T will cross 500. This is being considered a big step in the artillery modernization plan of the Indian Army.
What is the specialty of K9 Vajra?
The K9 Vajra is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer, capable of delivering accurate strikes to ranges of over 40 kilometres. Its biggest feature is the shoot and scoot capability, under which it can change its position immediately after attacking the enemy. This makes it easier to avoid enemy retaliation. The Army believes that tracked self-propelled guns can move faster than conventional towed guns and prove to be more effective on the battlefield.
Big deals have already been done
For the first time in 2017, the Indian Army had signed an agreement with L&T for the purchase of 100 K9 Vajra guns worth about Rs 4,500 crore. The delivery of these guns was completed ahead of schedule in 2021. They were mainly deployed in the desert areas of the western border. After this, in December 2023, the Defense Ministry approved a second contract worth about Rs 7,600 crore for 100 additional K9 Vajra guns.
Strength will increase on China border also
According to sources, the biggest reason for the new purchase is to strengthen the artillery capability of the army on the western border as well as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. A special cold-weather version of the K9 Vajra was also tested in Ladakh, in which its performance was found to be satisfactory. The Army believes that its deployment in high-altitude areas will significantly improve both the firepower and speed of the Indian Army on the Northern Front.
Timeline of this entire process
- June 2026: The proposal can be placed before the Defense Procurement Board (DPB).
- By the end of 2026: Possibility of getting final approval from Defense Ministry and Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- Beginning of 2027: A formal contract can be signed with L&T and Hanwha Aerospace.
- 20272028: Expected to begin initial production and delivery of the first batch to the Army.
- By 2030: Phased delivery of more than 300 new K9 Vajra guns can be completed.
According to defense sources, this purchase will give new strength to the mobile and long-range artillery capability of the Indian Army. Especially in view of the rapidly changing security environment on the China and Pakistan border, it is being considered very strategically important.
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