The Indian Army is likely to get a major increase in its artillery firepower, with the government moving ahead on a proposal to procure more than 300 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns. The deal is expected to cost around Rs 23,000 crore, making it one of the biggest artillery purchases planned for the Army in recent years. According to sources, the proposal is scheduled to be placed before the Defence Procurement Board for approval this week.
K9 Vajra-T to strengthen firepower
The K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled tracked artillery gun designed by South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The gun has a strike range of more than 40 kilometres and is known for its high rate of fire, accuracy and ability to operate across different terrains.
Army officials have been encouraged by the performance of the system since its induction. The first batch of 100 guns was ordered in 2017 at a cost of about Rs 4,500 crore, with deliveries completed ahead of schedule in 2021. Sources said the guns performed effectively in various operational conditions across the country.
Indigenous content increasing
In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence signed a repeat order with L&T worth Rs 7,628.70 crore for another 100 K9 Vajra-T guns. The first lot achieved around 50% indigenous content, while the next batch is expected to increase that figure to nearly 60%, supporting India’s push for greater self-reliance in defence production.
From western border to Ladakh
The K9 Vajra-T was initially deployed along the India-Pakistan border. However, after the India-China military standoff in Eastern Ladakh following the clashes in May 2020, these guns were moved to the high-altitude region. The platform has demonstrated its ability to function effectively even in sub-zero temperatures, making it suitable for challenging mountain conditions.
Artillery modernisation in full swing
The procurement is part of the Indian Army’s wider artillery modernisation programme. Under the Army’s long-term “mediumisation” plan, 155 mm guns are expected to become the standard artillery calibre by 2042. The Army has drawn up modernisation plans for the coming decades, including milestones for 2027, 2042 and 2047.
The Regiment of Artillery, raised on September 28, 1827, is considered the second-largest arm of the Indian Army after the infantry. It currently operates a mix of 105 mm, 122 mm and 155 mm guns, with many 105 mm Indian Field Guns and Indian Light Guns dating back to the 1970s and 1980s still in service.
Key role on the battlefield
The Arm of Artillery includes guns, rockets, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its primary role is to destroy enemy positions, suppress hostile fire, strike high-value targets and support infantry and armoured formations during operations. The importance of artillery in warfare is often summed up by the famous quote of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, who described it as the “god of war”.
With its long-range precision firepower, high mobility and advanced technology, the K9 Vajra-T is expected to play a crucial role in boosting the Army’s operational readiness and strengthening its ability to conduct deep and accurate strikes across all types of terrain.
