In a significant move towards enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army and advancing the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) on December 20, 2024. The procurement involves 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns, a cutting-edge addition to India’s artillery fleet. The agreement was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, marking a key milestone in India’s defence modernization and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
Key Highlights of the Contract
Objective
- To procure K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns under the “Buy (Indian)” procurement category.
- To advance India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the Make-in-India initiative.
Details of the Contract
- Total cost: Rs 7,628.70 crore.
- Signed by senior MoD officials and L&T representatives on December 20, 2024.
- Location: South Block, New Delhi.
Specifications and Capabilities of K9 VAJRA-T
Calibre and Type
- 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled tracked artillery guns.
Versatility
- High cross-country mobility for diverse terrains.
- Operates effectively in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude regions.
Firepower
- Long-range lethal fires with precision and accuracy.
- Capable of a higher rate of fire for sustained operations.
Technology
- Equipped with advanced systems to deliver precision strikes.
- Strategic and Operational Benefits
Enhanced Artillery Modernization
- The K9 VAJRA-T will significantly strengthen the Indian Army’s operational readiness and strike capabilities.
- Designed to meet modern battlefield requirements with flexibility across terrains.
Firepower Augmentation
- Enables deeper, more precise strikes.
- Improves the overall effectiveness of artillery in diverse combat scenarios.
Employment and Economic Impact
Employment Generation
- More than nine lakh man-days of employment over four years.
Boost to Indian Industries
- Encourages active participation of domestic industries, including MSMEs.
- Strengthens India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Significance of the Project
Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- A flagship project reflecting India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence.
- Aligns with the Make-in-India initiative, promoting indigenous manufacturing.
Operational Readiness
- The induction of K9 VAJRA-T will bolster the Indian Army’s ability to respond effectively to various security challenges.
- Its adaptability to extreme conditions ensures reliability across India’s diverse geography.
| Summary/Static | Details |
| Why in the news? | Aatmanirbhar Bharat Boost: MoD Contracts L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Guns |
| Contracting Parties | Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) |
| Cost of Contract | Rs 7,628.70 crore |
| Equipment Procured | 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns |
| Category | Buy (Indian) under Make-in-India initiative |
| Key Features of K9 VAJRA-T | – Long-range precision firepower
– High rate of fire – Cross-country mobility – Operates in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude areas – Equipped with cutting-edge technology |
| Strategic Benefits | – Enhances artillery modernization and operational readiness of the Indian Army
– Strengthens firepower and adaptability in diverse terrains |
| Economic Impact | – More than nine lakh man-days of employment over four years
– Active participation of Indian industries, including MSMEs |
| National Significance | – Flagship project under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives
– Boosts domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem |
| Operational Significance | – Enhances deeper strike capabilities with precision and accuracy
– Reliable performance across extreme conditions |
$350M India-ADB Loan Agreement Finalized
Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Navy Sign M...
India, Kuwait to Launch Joint Commission...
