New Delhi: K9 Vajra-T guns are expected to play a key role in the next phase of the Indian Army‘s artillery modernization program. The government is reportedly moving forward with a proposal to procure more than 300 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns at an estimated cost of around ₹23,000 crore.
If approved, this would become one of the largest artillery acquisitions undertaken by the Indian Army in recent years and significantly strengthen India’s long-range battlefield firepower.
Details of K9 Vajra-T Guns Procurement
According to reports, the proposal for acquiring over 300 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns is expected to be placed before the Defence Procurement Board for approval.
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The planned acquisition is estimated at nearly ₹23,000 crore and is aimed at enhancing the Indian Army’s artillery strength across multiple operational theatres.
Key Highlights
- More than 300 K9 Vajra-T artillery guns may be inducted.
- Estimated project cost: around ₹23,000 crore.
- Proposal likely to be considered by the Defence Procurement Board.
- Focus on strengthening India’s artillery and rapid-fire capabilities.
- Supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
What Is the K9 Vajra-T Guns?
The K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled tracked howitzer manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under technology collaboration with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace. It is an Indian adaptation of the globally successful K9 Thunder artillery system.
Major Features of K9 Vajra-T Guns
- 155mm/52-calibre gun system.
- High mobility on a tracked platform.
- Rapid shoot-and-scoot capability.
- Suitable for desert and mountainous terrain.
- Advanced fire-control system.
- High rate of fire and long-range precision engagement.
Existing K9 Vajra-T Guns Fleet
India signed the first contract for 100 K9 Vajra-T guns in 2017. All units were delivered ahead of schedule by 2021. The guns have performed successfully in desert operations and were later deployed in high-altitude regions along the northern borders.
In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed another contract worth ₹7,628.70 crore for 100 additional K9 Vajra-T systems.
If the proposed order of 300+ guns receives approval, the total K9 Vajra-T inventory could become one of the largest self-propelled artillery fleets in the world.
Why Is India Expanding Its Artillery Strength?
1. Northern Border Requirements
The Indian Army continues to strengthen capabilities along sensitive border regions. Mobile artillery systems such as the K9 Vajra-T provide quick deployment and powerful fire support in challenging terrain.
2. Modern Warfare Demands
Modern conflicts increasingly require:
- Long-range precision strikes.
- High mobility.
- Network-centric warfare.
- Faster response times.
The K9 Vajra-T is designed to meet these requirements through rapid movement and sustained firepower.
3. Artillery Modernization Program
The Indian Army is simultaneously modernizing its artillery through systems such as:
- Dhanush Howitzer
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)
- K9 Vajra-T
This reflects a broader effort to replace older artillery platforms with modern indigenous systems.
Boost for Indian Defence Manufacturing
The K9 Vajra-T program has become a major example of India’s indigenous defence manufacturing push.
Benefits
- Higher local manufacturing content.
- Technology transfer.
- Employment generation.
- Strengthening of India’s defence industrial base.
- Reduced dependence on imports.
The systems are manufactured in India with significant indigenous content, supporting the government’s long-term defence self-reliance goals.
