India has ordered 100 more localised K9 Vajra-T air defence systems to be produced jointly with South Korea
South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace has announced the signing of a $253 million contract with India's Larsen Toubro (LT) to supply components for a localised version of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, the K9 Vajra-T.
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The contract is a continuation of a previous agreement in 2017, under which India has already received the first hundred K9 Vajra-Ts. They have proven to be highly effective in various climatic and terrain conditions in the country, from deserts to highlands. The first phase achieved a localisation rate of 50%. Now it is planned to raise this figure to 60%.
The Indian version of the K9 Vajra-T airborne vehicle. Illustration: Міноборони Індії
The new units will be manufactured at LT's Hazira plant in Gujarat, in cooperation with Hanwha Aerospace. The K9 Vajra-T has been adapted to suit local conditions, including improved reloading, fire control and the ability to operate in low temperatures in mountainous areas.
Hanwha Aerospace President Jae-il Son said the new contract is a sign of the deepening defence partnership between Korea and India and a testament to New Delhi's support for self-sufficiency in defence production.
Source: Hanwha
