India signs a large contract for Korean K9 howitzers

The Ministry of Defence of India has signed a contract for the production of another batch of K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers. The units will be manufactured at local facilities in cooperation with South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace.

Here's What We Know

The Indian company Larsen Toubro will manufacture modified K9 Vajra-T artillery systems under licence, adapted to the specific requirements of the Indian customer. The contract is valued at $895.5 million and includes an unspecified number of systems and related services. At the same time, local media reported on the government's plans to purchase 100 howitzers under a similar budget.

The production will take place at Larsen Toubro's armoured vehicle plant in Hazira, Gujarat, which will be the second such project for the company. In 2017, it produced the first batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers, completing the work ahead of schedule in 2020. At that time, more than 80% of all production processes were carried out in India.

The K9 Vajra-T howitzers are adapted to operate in harsh environments, including mountains with sub-zero temperatures and deserts. They are equipped with Indian components, such as charging and fire control systems.

Hanwha Aerospace is also implementing a similar project in Australia. In April 2024, the company began production of the first K9 howitzer for the Australian Army, locally known as the AS9 Huntsman. The rest of the equipment will be assembled at the Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Australia after several samples were produced in South Korea.

Source: Larsen Toubro