Prelims
The K9 Vajra
Context: The Ministry of Defence granted in-principle approval (Acceptance of Necessity) for procuring over 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers at an estimated cost exceeding ₹20,000 crore.
About The K9 Vajra:
What it is?
- A 155 mm, 52-calibre heavy tracked self-propelled artillery howitzer combining high-angle ballistic firepower, tank-like off-road mobility, and an armored all-welded steel hull to deliver rapid “shoot-and-scoot” strikes on modern battlefields.
Developed By: Manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat, in technical collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea.
Aim: To provide heavy, deep-strike artillery fire support capable of maneuvering alongside mechanized armored columns, outranging adversary artillery, and surviving counter-battery fire across diverse operational environments.
Key Features of K9 Vajra:
- Extended Striking Range & Rate of Fire: Capable of engaging enemy targets up to 40 km using standard high-explosive shells and up to 50 km with specialized extended-range rocket-assisted projectiles, delivering a burst rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute.
- Rapid “Shoot-and-Scoot” Agility: Employs an automated fire control system and high mobility to fire multiple shells and reposition within minutes, neutralizing the threat of adversary counter-battery radar detection.
- Heavy Armored Protection & Pivot Turning: Features an all-welded steel hull and rotating turret offering 360° protection against shell splinters, mines and small-arms fire, with pivot-turn capability for manoeuvrability.
- High Indigenous Content: Has achieved over 50% indigenous value addition —including indigenous fire control, autoloader, and communication suites—with the newly approved batch mandating a threshold exceeding 70% domestic content.
- High-Altitude Extreme Cold Adaptability: Upgraded with dedicated auxiliary power systems, heated battery compartments, special lubricants, and winterisation kits to operate in sub-zero Himalayan altitudes exceeding 14,000 feet.
Significance:
- Strengthens artillery capabilities along the LAC and LoC, providing mobile, tracked fire support against enemy armoured formations and troop concentrations.
- Strengthens indigenous defence manufacturing through public-private collaboration, foreign technology absorption and development of domestic armoured vehicle supply chains.
