The Indian Army is preparing to launch one of its largest artillery modernisation programmes in recent decades, with plans to procure more than 300 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns in a deal estimated to be worth approximately ₹23,000 crore.
According to defence sources, the proposal is expected to be placed before the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) for consideration. If approved, the contract is likely to be awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which manufactures the K9 Vajra-T in India under a technology partnership with South Korean defence company Hanwha Aerospace.
The proposed acquisition would significantly expand the Army’s artillery inventory, taking the total number of K9 Vajra guns ordered by India to more than 500. Defence planners view the move as a critical step in strengthening long-range precision firepower along both the western front with Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Strengthening Firepower After Operational Lessons
The planned expansion comes as the Indian military continues to incorporate lessons from recent operational experiences, including the precision strike capabilities demonstrated during Operation SINDOOR.
Military planners have increasingly emphasised the importance of highly mobile artillery systems capable of delivering rapid and accurate fire support across diverse operational environments. The K9 Vajra’s ability to quickly engage targets and relocate makes it a valuable asset in modern battlefield conditions.
Why the K9 Vajra Is Important
The K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer capable of striking targets at ranges exceeding 40 kilometres. Its “shoot-and-scoot” capability allows the system to fire and rapidly move to a new location, reducing its vulnerability to enemy counter-battery fire.
The platform combines long-range firepower with armoured protection and high mobility, enabling effective deployment in both desert terrain and high-altitude regions.
Growing Confidence in the System
India signed its first contract for 100 K9 Vajra guns in 2017 at a cost of approximately ₹4,500 crore. Deliveries were completed ahead of schedule in 2021, with the guns primarily deployed in desert sectors along the western border.
In December 2023, the government approved a second order for another 100 K9 Vajra systems under a contract valued at around ₹7,600 crore, reflecting the Army’s continued confidence in the platform.
More recently, trials of a modified cold-weather variant were conducted in Ladakh, where the artillery system reportedly performed successfully under extreme high-altitude conditions. The successful trials have strengthened plans to deploy additional units in northern sectors facing China.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The procurement is also expected to provide a major boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under the Make in India initiative. The K9 Vajra-T is produced in India by L&T with significant indigenous content and has emerged as one of the country’s most successful artillery programmes.
Officials believe the proposed acquisition will help address capability requirements across both Pakistan- and China-facing theatres while significantly enhancing the Army’s long-range precision strike capability.
With regional security challenges continuing to evolve and neighbouring countries investing heavily in military modernisation, the induction of additional K9 Vajra systems is expected to play a key role in strengthening India’s artillery readiness and deterrence capabilities for future conflicts.
