The Indian Army’s artillery modernisation plan just got bigger. India is getting ready to make one of its biggest artillery deals in decades.
The Indian Army is now preparing to buy over 300 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. The deal is estimated at around ₹23,000 crore.
This is not a small step. This would be the single largest artillery procurement the Army has undertaken in decades.
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Know Your Weapon: K9 Vajra-T
The K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer is a powerful artillery gun. Here are the key facts:
- It is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked howitzer. It can hit targets beyond 40 km.
- It is built by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace, adapted from South Korea’s K9 Thunder howitzer.
- It delivers long-range, high-accuracy fire with a higher rate of fire. It works in all terrains.
- It operates in both Rajasthan’s deserts and Ladakh’s icy heights. That makes it extremely versatile.
The Journey So Far
The L&T K9 Vajra procurement story has been steady and successful:
- In 2017, India’s first deal was signed for 100 guns at around ₹4,500 crore. Deliveries finished ahead of schedule in 2021.
- In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a fresh contract with L&T. The cost was ₹7,628.70 crore for another 100 guns.
- The new 300-gun proposal would take India’s total fleet past 500 units.
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Official Quote: “The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance overall operational readiness of the Indian Army.”
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India
(Source: Press Information Bureau)
The Reason Behind This Big Deal
The India 23,000 crore artillery deal is not just about numbers. It is about strategy.
- The Army needs stronger firepower along both the western border with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
- Recent border tensions exposed critical gaps in India’s long-range artillery. The K9 Vajra LAC deployment plan directly fills that gap.
- Tracked self-propelled guns offer better mobility, crew protection, and the ability to shoot and move quickly. This is vital in both desert and high-altitude zones.
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Make in India — The Bigger Win
India’s Make in India push is also a major part of this story.
- L&T manufactures the K9 Vajra-T in India and sources many of its parts locally.
- The K9 Vajra-T has become one of India’s most successful artillery systems.
- If the government approves the new order, it will create more jobs and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing industry.
- The K9 Vajra-T recently completed cold-weather trials in Ladakh, where it performed well in the region’s harsh high-altitude conditions.
This shows that the K9 Vajra-T not only boosts India’s military strength but also supports the country’s goal of becoming more self-reliant in defence production.
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India’s Next Big Move
The proposal is expected to go before the Defence Procurement Board (DPB). If approved, the contract will go to Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
India’s artillery future is being built — one gun at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the K9 Vajra-T?
The K9 Vajra-T is a self-propelled artillery gun. L&T manufactures the K9 Vajra-T in India based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder howitzer. It can hit targets beyond 40 km.
2) How much does this deal cost?
The new deal is worth around ₹23,000 crore. It is one of India’s biggest artillery deals ever.
3) Why is India buying more K9 Vajra guns?
India needs stronger firepower on two borders. These are the western border with Pakistan and the LAC with China. The K9 Vajra works in both deserts and high-altitude areas.
4) When did India first buy K9 Vajra guns?
India signed its first deal in 2017 for 100 guns worth ₹4,500 crore. L&T completed the delivery in 2021, ahead of schedule.
5) Is K9 Vajra part of Make in India?
Yes. The K9 Vajra-T is produced in India by L&T. It has a high level of indigenous content. It is one of India’s most successful Make in India defence projects.
