South Korean defense giant Hanwha Aerospace has secured a contract worth USD 253 million with India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to supply components for an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers. The agreement, formalised at the South Korean Embassy in New Delhi, further strengthens the growing defence ties between South Korea and India.
This contract follows the completion of a previous order placed in 2017, which saw the delivery of 100 K9 Vajra-T units. The howitzers have performed well in various operational environments in India, demonstrating their effectiveness in diverse terrain types.
The new agreement includes provisions to increase the local manufacturing content of the K9 Vajra-T units. The indigenous production is set to rise from over 50% in the first phase to 60% in the current order. This increase reflects India's efforts to boost domestic defence manufacturing capabilities through closer industrial collaboration with L&T.
The K9 Vajra-T artillery system, which is equipped with a 155mm/52-calibre gun, offers high precision, extended range, and a rapid rate of fire, making it a crucial part of India’s artillery modernisation programme. Hanwha Aerospace also aims to expand its cooperation with India in other areas, including air defence and aerospace technologies, as part of a broader effort to enhance defence manufacturing ties between the two countries.
