The Indian Army is preparing to seek government approval for one of its largest artillery modernisation initiatives in decades, with a proposal to procure more than 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked howitzers in a deal estimated at around Rs 23,000 crore. The proposal is expected to be tabled before the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) this week.
Defence sources indicate that the move represents a significant expansion of the Army’s long-range precision firepower capabilities, specifically tailored to address operational requirements along both the western front with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Background and Current Inventory
The K9 Vajra-T is the Indian variant of the South Korean K9 Thunder 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer, manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) under a technology transfer agreement with Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea. It features substantial indigenous content and is produced at L&T’s facilities.
The Indian Army currently operates approximately 100 K9 Vajra-T guns. An earlier contract for 100 guns, signed in 2017 at a cost of around Rs 4,500 crore, was completed ahead of schedule by 2021, with systems primarily deployed in desert sectors along the western border. A second order for another 100 guns, valued at approximately Rs 7,629 crore, was cleared in late 2023/2024.
If the current proposal receives approval, the total number of K9 Vajra guns ordered by India would exceed 500, marking a substantial scaling up of the Army’s self-propelled artillery fleet. This would also push L&T’s cumulative production mandate well beyond 500 units.
Capabilities of the K9 Vajra-T
The K9 Vajra-T is a highly mobile, tracked 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled howitzer capable of engaging targets at ranges exceeding 40 kilometres. Key operational features include:
- Rapid “shoot-and-scoot” capability, enabling the platform to fire and quickly relocate to minimise vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.
- High mobility and armoured protection suitable for both desert and high-altitude mountainous terrain.
- Proven performance in extreme conditions, including successful trials of a cold-weather variant in Ladakh.
- Effective support to fast-moving armoured formations and sustained firepower delivery across varied operational scenarios.
The system has demonstrated strong operational reliability in Rajasthan’s desert sectors and during high-altitude deployments in eastern Ladakh amid the 2020 standoff with China.
Strategic Context and Rationale
Defence planners view the proposed acquisition as a critical step in strengthening India’s artillery posture amid evolving security challenges on multiple fronts. The emphasis is on responsive, mobile, and long-range precision strike capabilities that can operate effectively across desert plains and high-altitude northern sectors.
The proposal draws on lessons from recent operational experiences, including the requirement for high-intensity precision fires. It aligns with the broader artillery modernisation programme of the Indian Army, which also encompasses the induction of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), Dhanush guns, and upgraded Pinaka multi-barrel rocket systems.
Officials have noted that the K9 Vajra-T’s proven track record in both western and northern theatres has reinforced confidence in the platform. The additional numbers are intended to address capability gaps, enhance operational readiness, and provide a robust deterrent posture against adversaries’ ongoing military modernisation efforts.
Path Forward
The proposal’s placement before the DPB this week marks the formal beginning of the approval process. Upon clearance, the contract is expected to be awarded to L&T, continuing the successful model of licensed production and technology absorption in India.
This procurement, if approved, would significantly augment the Indian Army’s ability to deliver accurate, sustained, and mobile fire support across its primary areas of operational responsibility. It underscores the ongoing focus on modernising the artillery arm with battle-proven, versatile platforms capable of meeting the demands of contemporary and future conflicts.
The development comes at a time when the Indian defence establishment continues to prioritise capability enhancement and self-reliance in critical defence technologies while addressing the specific terrain and threat profiles of the western and northern borders.
