Aatmanirbhar Bharat Boost: MoD Contracts L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Guns

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