K9 Vajra Howitzer: Features, Range, Indigenous Content and Defence Significance

Context

The Ministry of Defence gave in-principle approval (Acceptance of Necessity, AoN) to buy 300+ more K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers. The estimated cost is over ₹20,000 crore.

About K9 Vajra

1. Nature: A 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer. It has an all-welded steel hull and good cross-country mobility. It is built for “shoot-and-scoot” strikes.
2. Manufacturer: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), at its Armoured Systems Complex, Hazira, Gujarat. It works in technical collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace (South Korea).
3. Aim: To give heavy, deep-strike fire support that moves with armoured columns, outranges enemy artillery and survives counter-battery fire.

Key Features

1. Range and Rate of Fire: Up to 40 km with standard high-explosive shells and up to 50 km with rocket-assisted shells. Fires 6–8 rounds a minute.
2. Shoot-and-Scoot: An automated fire control system and high mobility let it fire and move within minutes, avoiding counter-battery radar.
3. Protection: An all-welded steel hull and rotating turret protect against shell splinters, mines and small-arms fire. It can also pivot-turn.
4. Indigenous Content: Over 50% so far, including the fire control, autoloader and communication systems. The new batch needs over 70% domestic content.
5. Cold-Weather Upgrades: Auxiliary power units, heated battery compartments, special lubricants and winterisation kits for Himalayan heights above 14,000 feet.

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