New Delhi: India has taken another step towards strengthening its artillery power along with the China border and Pakistan border.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted initial approval for several military procurement proposals on October 26, 2026. According to the reports, the proposals include 335 additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, with an estimated cost of over ₹20,000 crore. The move aims to improve the Indian Army’s firepower and ability to operate in difficult terrain.
Defence Ministry Clears Major Artillery Proposal of K-9 Vajra Howitzers Procurement
The Defence Acquisition Council approved defence procurement proposals worth approximately ₹2.12 lakh crore for the Indian Armed Forces. The official announcement by the Ministry of Defence included a self-propelled tracked gun system for the Indian Army.
Read also: What Makes Tata’s 155mm Mounted Gun System One Of India’s Most Advanced Artillery Platforms?
According to the reports, the proposal involves 335 additional K-9 Vajra howitzers. However, the Ministry’s official announcement did not specify the number of guns or their estimated cost.
The approval is an important step towards modernising India’s artillery systems and improving the Army’s operational readiness.
What Is The K-9 Vajra Howitzer
The K-9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm self-propelled artillery gun designed to deliver powerful and accurate fire support. It moves on tracked platforms, similar to tanks, allowing it to travel across challenging terrain.
The system is based on South Korea’s K9 Thunder artillery platform and is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T), with South Korean technology support.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the K-9 Vajra-T can deliver long-range fire with high accuracy and a high rate of fire. It can also operate in extremely cold, high-altitude areas with suitable modifications.
Why Does India Need More K-9 Vajra Howitzer
The Indian Army needs mobile and reliable artillery systems to support troops deployed across different geographical conditions. These include the deserts of western India and the mountainous regions near the China border.
Additional K-9 Vajra guns could help the Army strengthen its firepower, move artillery units more effectively and support operations in difficult areas. The guns can also fire and relocate quickly, helping units reduce the time they remain exposed to enemy counter-fire.
How Will K-9 Vajra Howitzer Help Along China And Pakistan Borders
The Army faces different operational challenges along its borders with China and Pakistan. Mountainous terrain, extreme cold and difficult roads can make the movement and operation of heavy military equipment challenging.
The K-9 Vajra’s tracked mobility and ability to operate in cold conditions make it useful for deployments in areas such as Ladakh.
If the reported procurement moves forward, the additional guns could improve artillery support for troops deployed along sensitive border areas. Their final deployment locations and delivery schedule have not been officially announced.
Read also: What Is the Tejas Mk2 Detachable Gun Pod? Benefits and Features Explained
FAQs
The K-9 Vajra-T is a self-propelled artillery gun used to provide long-range fire support to the Indian Army. Its tracked mobility helps it operate across difficult terrain, and it can function in cold, high-altitude areas with suitable modifications.
According to the reports, India is planning to acquire 335 additional K-9 Vajra howitzers under a proposal estimated at over ₹20,000 crore. The Ministry of Defence’s official announcement did not specify these figures.
The reported proposal received initial approval through the Defence Acquisition Council process. This does not mean the final purchase contract has been signed or that the additional guns have been delivered.
