The Indian Army is gearing up for a significant expansion of its artillery capabilities, with plans to procure over 300 K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns in a deal estimated at ₹23,000 crore. This initiative marks one of the largest artillery modernisation programmes undertaken by the military in recent decades.
Defence sources indicate that the proposal is set to be reviewed by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB). Should it receive approval, the contract is anticipated to be awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which manufactures the K9 Vajra-T under a technology partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace.
If the acquisition goes ahead, the Army’s total inventory of K9 Vajra guns will surpass 500. This strategic enhancement is viewed as critical for reinforcing long-range precision firepower, particularly along the western front with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
The expansion follows a series of operational lessons learned by the military, particularly the precision strike capabilities showcased during Operation SINDOOR. Military planners have increasingly recognized the necessity for mobile artillery systems that can deliver rapid and accurate fire support across varied operational landscapes. With its capacity for quick target engagement and relocation, the K9 Vajra is considered a vital asset for modern combat scenarios.
The K9 Vajra-T, a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer, can engage targets at ranges above 40 kilometres. Its operational “shoot-and-scoot” feature allows it to fire and quickly reposition, significantly diminishing its exposure to counter-battery attacks. The artillery system blends long-range capabilities with armoured protection and high mobility, making it effective in both desert and high-altitude conditions.
India’s relationship with the K9 Vajra has evolved since the initial contract for 100 units was signed in 2017, valued at approximately ₹4,500 crore. Deliveries were completed ahead of schedule by 2021, with these assets primarily stationed in desert regions along the western border. In a further display of confidence in the system, the government approved a second contract for another 100 K9 Vajra systems in December 2023, at a cost around ₹7,600 crore.
Recent trials of a modified cold-weather variant in Ladakh have reportedly yielded successful results, demonstrating the system’s performance in extreme high-altitude conditions. These positive outcomes have reinforced plans for deploying additional units to northern regions, particularly those facing China.
This procurement initiative is also poised to bolster India’s indigenous defence manufacturing efforts under the Make in India initiative. The K9 Vajra-T, produced by L&T with significant domestic content, stands as one of the nation’s most successful artillery programmes.
Officials are optimistic that this planned acquisition will meet critical capability needs for both Pakistan- and China-facing threats, significantly augmenting the Army’s long-range precision strike abilities. As regional security dynamics evolve and nations in the area enhance their military capabilities, the introduction of more K9 Vajra systems is anticipated to play a crucial role in fortifying India’s artillery readiness and deterrence for potential future conflicts.
