Indian Army Poised for Major Artillery Modernisation with Over 300 Additional K9 Vajra Guns

The Indian Army is advancing its artillery modernisation programme with a significant proposal to acquire more than 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked howitzers. Valued at approximately ₹23,000 crore, the plan is expected to be considered by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) this week. This move underscores India’s continued commitment to strengthening its long-range firepower capabilities in response to evolving security needs along its borders.

If approved, the contract is anticipated to be executed with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which manufactures the K9 Vajra-T in India through a technology collaboration with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. The acquisition would bring India’s total fleet of these advanced systems to over 500 units, marking one of the largest self-propelled artillery procurements in recent decades.

K9 Vajra T Artillery Gun. (Photo: File/PTI) | India Today

Background and Earlier Procurements

India’s association with the K9 Vajra began with the initial order of 100 guns in 2017, valued at around ₹4,500 crore. Deliveries of this batch were completed ahead of schedule, and the systems have performed effectively, particularly in desert environments along the western frontier.

Building on this success, a follow-on order for another 100 units was approved later, with a value of approximately ₹7,629 crore. Component supplies for this order were finalised in 2025. The latest proposal for over 300 additional guns reflects growing confidence in the platform, drawn from operational experience across varied terrains, including successful trials of a cold-weather variant in high-altitude regions such as Ladakh.

Key Features and Capabilities of the K9 Vajra-T

The K9 Vajra-T represents the Indian variant of the proven South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. As a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery system, it offers an impressive range exceeding 40 kilometres with standard ammunition and up to 50 kilometres with extended-range or precision-guided munitions. Its design supports rapid burst firing — three rounds in 15 seconds — and a sustained rate of six to eight rounds per minute.

Powered by a 1,000 hp diesel engine, the gun achieves a top speed of around 67 km/h and an operational range of over 360 km. The tracked chassis provides excellent mobility across diverse landscapes, from deserts and plains to mountainous areas. A key strength lies in its “shoot-and-scoot” capability, which allows the crew to fire quickly and relocate to avoid counter-battery fire. The armoured crew compartment further enhances survivability in contested environments.

Produced in India by L&T with increasing levels of indigenous content, the system aligns well with national goals for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Customisations for Indian conditions, including advanced sighting systems, have made it particularly suitable for operations in challenging border regions.

Strategic Importance for National Defence

This substantial procurement is expected to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s artillery strength across multiple theatres. By enhancing precision strike capabilities and overall firepower, the additional K9 Vajra guns will contribute to greater operational readiness along both the western border and the Line of Actual Control. The platform’s versatility and proven performance make it a valuable asset in addressing contemporary security challenges.

The expansion of the K9 Vajra fleet complements broader artillery modernisation efforts, including indigenous developments such as the ATAGS towed howitzers. Together, these initiatives aim to create a more robust and responsive fire support network for the armed forces.

The MGMM Outlook 

The Indian Army’s proposal to induct more than 300 additional K9 Vajra-T howitzers reflects the steady momentum behind India’s long-term defence modernisation agenda. Expanding the fleet to over 500 guns would considerably enhance the Army’s long-range precision firepower and improve operational flexibility across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions and sensitive border areas. The proven performance of the platform and its rapid mobility capabilities make it a critical asset for strengthening battlefield readiness in an evolving security environment.

The planned procurement also highlights the growing success of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. With Larsen & Toubro producing the K9 Vajra-T in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace and increasing local content levels, the programme supports the broader vision of self-reliance while fostering advanced technology absorption. Alongside other artillery initiatives such as ATAGS, the expansion of the K9 Vajra fleet is expected to contribute to a more integrated and capable fire support network for the Indian armed forces.

(Sources: India Today, Moneycontrol, OpIndia)