Indian Army eyes 300 more K9 Vajra-T Guns in Rs 23,000 crore deal

The Indian Army is planning a major expansion of its artillery capabilities with a proposal to procure 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns in a deal estimated to be worth around Rs 23,000 crore.

According to a News18 report, the proposal is expected to be placed before the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) in the coming days for consideration.

If approved, the acquisition would be among the largest artillery procurement programmes undertaken by the Indian Army in recent decades. The move reflects the Army’s growing emphasis on enhancing long-range firepower.

The proposal comes as the Army continues to modernise its artillery arm and incorporate lessons from recent global conflicts, where long-range precision fires have emerged as a decisive factor on the battlefield.

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Operational success drives requirement

The requirement for additional K9 Vajra-T guns has been driven largely by its successful operational performance. Originally acquired for deployment in plains and desert sectors, the tracked self-propelled howitzer demonstrated its effectiveness in high-altitude areas after being deployed in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

According to the report, army officials view the system as a versatile platform capable of supporting fast-moving armoured formations while maintaining sustained firepower in challenging conditions.

Its performance in Ladakh is understood to have reinforced confidence in the system’s suitability for both western and northern theatres.

Expanding the existing fleet

The Indian Army currently operates around 100 K9 Vajra-T guns. In 2024, the government cleared a second order for another 100 guns worth Rs 7,629 crore to further strengthen artillery capabilities along the northern borders.

The latest proposal for 300 additional guns would significantly expand the Army’s self-propelled artillery inventory and help create a larger, more mobile fire support network for future operations.

The K9 Vajra-T is a 155mm/52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer capable of delivering long-range and accurate fire support. One of its key advantages is its ability to quickly fire and relocate, reducing vulnerability to enemy counter-battery attacks while maintaining operational tempo on the battlefield.

Part of wider modernisation effort

The K9 Vajra-T is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro in partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, with substantial indigenous content. The programme is also seen as an important component of India's defence manufacturing efforts.

According to the report, the proposed acquisition forms part of the Army’s broader artillery modernisation programme, which includes the induction of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), Dhanush artillery guns and upgraded Pinaka multi-barrel rocket systems.

Together, these platforms are expected to enhance Indian Army’s ability to deliver rapid, accurate and sustained firepower across multiple fronts.