The Indian Army is planning a significant expansion of its long-range artillery capabilities by potentially acquiring up to 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers, a move estimated to cost around ₹23,000 crore and requiring approval from the defence procurement board. This acquisition, if approved, would represent one of the Indian Army's largest artillery procurements to date, aiming to bolster its firepower along the Pakistan and China borders, enhance its operational readiness, and accelerate artillery modernization, building upon the 100 K9 Vajra-T guns already in service and an additional 100 on order, all of which are Indian adaptations of South Korea's K9 Thunder known for their deep fire support, mobility, precision, and reliability in extreme conditions.

The Indian Army is planning a significant expansion of its long-range artillery capabilities by potentially acquiring up to 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers, a move estimated to cost around ₹23,000 crore and requiring approval from the defence procurement board. This acquisition, if approved, would represent one of the Indian Army's largest artillery procurements to date, aiming to bolster its firepower along the Pakistan and China borders, enhance its operational readiness, and accelerate artillery modernization, building upon the 100 K9 Vajra-T guns already in service and an additional 100 on order, all of which are Indian adaptations of South Korea's K9 Thunder known for their deep fire support, mobility, precision, and reliability in extreme conditions.

The Indian Army is planning a significant expansion of its long-range artillery capabilities by potentially acquiring up to 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers, a move estimated to cost around ₹23,000 crore and requiring approval from the defence procurement board. This acquisition, if approved, would represent one of the Indian Army's largest artillery procurements to date, aiming to bolster its firepower along the Pakistan and China borders, enhance its operational readiness, and accelerate artillery modernization, building upon the 100 K9 Vajra-T guns already in service and an additional 100 on order, all of which are Indian adaptations of South Korea's K9 Thunder known for their deep fire support, mobility, precision, and reliability in extreme conditions.

The Indian Army could be set for a major boost in its long-range firepower capabilities along both the Pakistan and China borders, as there are plans underway to procure up to 300 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers.

According to media reports, a proposal worth around ₹23,000 crore for the acquisition of self-propelled tracked artillery guns is likely to be taken up by the defence procurement board (DPB) soon.

If approved, the procurement would be among the Indian Army's largest artillery acquisition programmes and significantly strengthen its ability to deliver long-range precision fire across the western and northern fronts with Pakistan and China, respectively. The move is also expected to accelerate artillery modernisation and improve the Army's overall operational readiness.

The Indian Army currently operates 100 K9 Vajra-T guns. In 2024, the defence ministry signed a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for an additional 100 guns.

The K9 Vajra-T is designed to provide deep fire support while maintaining high mobility across diverse terrains. Its ability to deliver long-range lethal fire with high accuracy and a high rate of fire makes it a key component of the Army's modernisation plans.

The artillery system is also capable of operating at full potential in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude regions. These features make it suitable for deployment across a wide range of operational environments.

The K9 Vajra-T is an Indian adaptation of South Korea's K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, one of the world's most widely used artillery systems in its category. It is produced for the Indian Army by L&T in collaboration with South Korea's Hanwha Defence.

According to the manufacturer, the system offers a number of operational advantages, including a longer firing range for deep strike missions, a high rate of fire, precision engagement capability, strong mobility and protection, as well as a "shoot-and-scoot" feature that allows it to quickly relocate after firing. The platform has also demonstrated reliability in extreme weather conditions and hostile terrain.

If the latest proposal receives approval, the Army's K9 Vajra-T fleet could expand substantially, providing a significant enhancement to India's long-range artillery capabilities.

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