Ministry of Defence (MoD) and L&T Sign Deal for 100 More K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Artillery Guns.
Defence
On December 20, 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the supply of 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns, each with a 155mm/52 calibre, for the Indian Army (IA). The agreement was signed by senior MoD officials and L&T representatives, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh present in New Delhi.
- This procurement falls under the 'Buy (Indian)' initiative, designed to enhance the Army's firepower and operational capabilities.
- The initiative also aligns with India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and the 'Make in India' mission by engaging Indian industries, including the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- In 2017, L&T secured a Rs 4,500-crore contract under the 'Make in India' initiative to supply 100 K9 Vajra units, with the first 10 assembled from imported components and the remaining 90 mostly manufactured at L&T's Hazira facility in Gujarat, following a technology transfer agreement with South Korea's Hanwha Corporation.
Main Point :- (i) The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns, produced at L&T's Hazira plant in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, have a range of over 40 km and can launch projectiles at 65 km/h.
(ii) The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns have a range of over 40 km, can launch projectiles at a speed of 65 km/h, are operated by 5 personnel, carry up to 49 rounds, and are upgraded for high-altitude operations, especially in regions like Ladakh.
(iii) These guns will join the existing fleet of 100 Vajras, with upgrades including advanced fire-control systems, specially designed lubricants and batteries for sub-zero temperatures, and enhanced mobility across varied terrains, including deserts and high-altitude regions, improving long-range, high-accuracy firepower for the Army's operational capability. Initially, they were deployed in the Rajasthan desert.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Minister : Rajnath Singh
Headquarters : New Delhi
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