BUSINESS
In a strategic move to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a significant contract worth Rs 7,629 crore with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for the procurement of K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns. This deal, finalized on December 20, 2024, in New Delhi, aligns with the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, aiming to boost indigenous defence production. The K9 VAJRA-T, a modern artillery system, will significantly upgrade India ’s artillery corps and support its defence modernization efforts. The K9 VAJRA-T is designed for versatility across challenging terrains, from deserts to high-altitude regions. This self-propelled gun, equipped with cutting-edge technology , offers superior mobility, high rate of fire, and long-range strike capability. It is tailored for precision and can operate efficiently in extreme conditions, including sub-zero temperatures. With these enhanced features, the K9 VAJRA-T is expected to bolster the Indian Army’s artillery firepower, enabling deeper strikes with lethal accuracy. The new artillery system is a result of a collaboration between L&T and South Korea’s Hanwha Defence, which has adapted the proven K9 Thunder to meet India’s specific needs. The partnership has fostered indigenous production, with L&T leading the development of key components such as the Fire Control System, Ammunition Handling System, and Direct Fire System. These systems are critical to the K9 VAJRA-T’s performance and represent a substantial leap toward self- reliance in defence manufacturing. In addition to its advanced features, the K9 VAJRA-T incorporates several India-specific modifications. These include systems for desert operations, such as auxiliary power packs, air-conditioning, fire-fighting, and NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection. These systems, developed and produced locally, exemplify the success of the “Make-in-India” campaign, which encourages domestic manufacturing and reduces dependence on foreign imports. The impact of this project goes beyond the Indian Army’s enhanced firepower. Over the next four years, it is expected to generate more than nine lakh man-days of employment, benefiting various sectors of the Indian defence industry , particularly MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). By involving Indian industries in the production of critical components, the contract reinforces the vision of a self-sufficient defence sector. The K9 VAJRA-T passed rigorous user trials at the Pokhran Range, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in real-world conditions. With the signing of this contract, India takes a significant step toward modernizing its artillery forces and achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology. None
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