In a significant development for India’s defense capabilities, the country has announced an expansion of its order for South Korea’s K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers. The new contract involves an additional 100 units, representing an investment of 370 billion Korean won, approximately $243 million. This latest order complements the initial purchase of 100 Vajra-T units made in 2017.
Instead of a full delivery of the howitzers, the new agreement entails that Hanwha, the South Korean defense manufacturer, will provide components for local assembly in India. The assembly will be carried out by Larsen & Toubro, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai. This arrangement is expected to enable India to achieve a localization level of up to 60 percent for this second batch of howitzers.
Jae-il Son, CEO of Hanwha, highlighted the significance of this follow-up order, stating that it underscores the strengthening defense partnership between Korea and India. He expressed Hanwha’s commitment to continue being a reliable partner in boosting India’s defense capabilities and supporting the nation’s aspirations for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
The K9 Vajra-T is a tailored version of South Korea’s celebrated K9 Thunder howitzer, incorporating advanced features designed for operational effectiveness. It is powered by a robust 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, enabling it to achieve speeds of up to 67 kilometers (41 miles) per hour and a travel range exceeding 360 kilometers (223 miles).
One of the key attributes of the K9 Vajra-T is its 155mm main gun, which is capable of firing both high-explosive rounds and guided projectiles out to a range of 50 kilometers (31 miles). The artillery system also boasts impressive rapid-fire capabilities, allowing it to deliver three rounds in just 15 seconds, with a sustained firing rate of up to eight rounds per minute for a period of three minutes.
India’s decision to select the K9 howitzer came after extensive field trials in 2015, during which the K9 outperformed the Russian 2S19 Msta-S, demonstrating clear advantages in both technology and operational performance.
The expansion of India’s order for the K9 Vajra-T underscores the country’s strategic focus on enhancing its artillery arsenal while simultaneously promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities in defense technology.
