Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
India gives initial approval for 300-plus K9 howitzers
India has initially approved more than 300 K9 Vajra-T howitzers for its army.
The tracked guns are based on South Korea’s K9 design and are made in India by Larsen & Toubro with Hanwha Aerospace’s cooperation.
India already operates 100 and is producing 100 more under a 2024 contract, so the new plan could bring its total to about 500.
The army first used the guns for desert operations, then tested them for high-altitude conditions after a 2020 border standoff with China and deployed them in eastern Ladakh.
The added guns are intended to strengthen artillery near India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
India wants more than 70% of the new order’s value to come from local production, while some key gun components are expected to remain supplied from South Korea.
A final deal is not yet signed; price and delivery schedules still need to be negotiated, with further government approval also required.
India has given initial approval to a proposal to acquire more than 300 K9 Vajra-T howitzers, an Indian version of South Korea’s K9.
The proposed purchase is estimated to cost more than 200 billion rupees, but the final quantity, price and delivery schedule have not been settled.
If completed, the purchase would raise India’s K9 fleet to about 500 howitzers, including 200 already ordered.
The guns are intended to strengthen artillery capabilities along India’s borders with China and Pakistan.
The howitzers are made in India by Larsen & Toubro, with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace as a partner.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of Defence and army. South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and India’s Larsen & Toubro are involved in production.
- What
- India has given initial approval to a proposal to acquire more than 300 K9 Vajra-T howitzers.
- When
- The Defence Acquisition Council approved the need for the programme on October 26, 2026. Reports on the approval were published on October 27 and 28.
- Where
- India. The howitzers are produced at Larsen & Toubro’s facility in Hazira, Gujarat.
- Why
- To strengthen artillery capabilities, including in border areas, and modernise the army’s firepower.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
India signed its first contract for 100 K9 howitzers.
A military standoff with China in Ladakh led India to test the howitzers in high-altitude conditions.
India signed a contract for 100 more howitzers.
India’s Defence Acquisition Council approved the need for a further artillery purchase, including the proposed K9 acquisition.
- Proposed additional quantity
- More than 300 K9 Vajra-T howitzers
- Estimated programme cost
- More than 200 billion rupees
- Existing orders
- 200 howitzers: 100 from the first contract and 100 from the December 2024 contract
- Potential total fleet
- About 500 howitzers
- Indian manufacturer
- Larsen & Toubro
- South Korean partner
- Hanwha Aerospace