K9 Vajra-T
Why in News?
India and South Korea have further strengthened their defence partnership through the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery programme. Manufactured in India under a technology transfer agreement, the K9 Vajra-T has become a key component of the Indian Army’s artillery modernization drive and exemplifies successful defence industrial cooperation under the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
What is the K9 Vajra-T?
The K9 Vajra-T is the Indian version of South Korea’s K9 Thunder, a 155 mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer developed by Hanwha Aerospace.
The artillery system combines high mobility, long-range precision firepower, and rapid deployment capabilities, making it suitable for modern battlefield operations across diverse terrains, including deserts and high-altitude regions.
Under a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement, the system is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Hazira facility in Gujarat.
The indigenisation level has reached 50–60%, with a significant share of components sourced from Indian industries.
Procurement and Fleet Expansion
India inducted the K9 Vajra-T in phases as part of its artillery modernization programme.
| Contract | Year | Quantity | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Contract | 2017 | 100 Guns | ₹4,500 Crore |
| Second Contract | 2024 | 100 Guns | ₹7,629 Crore |
| Proposed Procurement | Under Consideration | 300 Guns | ₹23,000 Crore (Approx.) |
The first batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T guns was delivered ahead of schedule in 2021, demonstrating the efficiency of indigenous manufacturing under the technology transfer model.
If the proposed procurement receives approval, the Indian Army’s K9 Vajra fleet could expand to over 500 self-propelled howitzers, making it one of the largest such fleets in Asia.
Operational Role and Strategic Importance
The K9 Vajra-T has been deployed along India’s northern and western borders, including the challenging high-altitude terrain of Ladakh.
Key Operational Roles
- Long-range precision artillery support.
- Deep-fire capability against enemy positions.
- Rapid mobility in difficult terrain.
- High-altitude deployment.
- Fire support for mechanised and armoured formations.
The system significantly enhances the Indian Army’s operational preparedness along sensitive border regions.
Importance of the K9 Vajra-T Programme
The K9 Vajra-T programme represents more than an artillery acquisition; it is an important milestone in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The programme contributes to:
- Strengthening India–South Korea strategic defence cooperation.
- Promoting indigenous defence manufacturing under Make in India.
- Facilitating technology transfer and domestic industrial capability.
- Creating employment and strengthening India’s defence supply chain.
- Enhancing self-reliance in advanced artillery systems.
- Modernising the Indian Army’s firepower capabilities.
The project is widely regarded as one of India’s most successful examples of defence co-production with a foreign partner.
K9 Vajra-T: Important Facts for Exams
- K9 Vajra-T is based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder.
- It is a 155 mm self-propelled tracked howitzer.
- Manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Hazira, Gujarat.
- Developed under a Technology Transfer (ToT) agreement with Hanwha Aerospace.
- The first contract for 100 guns was signed in 2017.
- A second order for 100 additional guns was placed in 2024.
- The Indian Army has deployed the system in Ladakh and along the western front.
- The proposed expansion could increase India’s K9 Vajra fleet to over 500 guns.
- Major defence procurement proposals are considered by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB).
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