The Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has awarded a significant contract to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for supplying K9 Vajra-T Artillery Platforms to the Indian Army. As per the company's project classification, the contract is valued between Rs 50 billion and Rs 100 billion.

The K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery platform, is an adaptation of the globally renowned South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It has been co-developed by L&T and Hanwha Aerospace to meet the Indian Army's specific operational needs across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions.

L&T had previously secured the contract for the first batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T platforms in 2017 through global competitive bidding and successful field evaluation. The company delivered these platforms ahead of schedule, showcasing its expertise in designing, developing, and manufacturing complex defence systems. Since induction, the platforms have demonstrated exceptional performance.

Similar to the first batch, the second batch of K9 Vajra-T platforms will also be manufactured at L&T's Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. This advanced manufacturing facility, inaugurated in January 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been pivotal in the development and production of armoured and artillery platforms. It operates within an integrated industrial ecosystem that includes numerous MSME partners.

Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President and Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, noted that the facility continues to play a crucial role in supporting India's defence capabilities.