India strengthens defense with $253M Hanwha howitzer deal
India, which for years had primarily purchased weapons from Russia, is increasingly acquiring armaments from other countries. This time, the government has agreed with the South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Aerospace. Under the agreement, India will enhance its army with a hundred K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers.
The K9 Vajra-T is a variant specially designed for India of the well-known K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer. The agreement between the Indian authorities and Hanwha Aerospace is valued at $253 million. Larsen & Toubro will be involved in the production, meeting the requirements for the participation of the Indian defense industry in the entire project.
Additional K9 Vajra-T for the Indian Army
Industry media note that this is a continuation of cooperation with the South Korean conglomerate. The first agreement regarding the K9 Vajra-T was made back in 2017 and also covered 100 units of these gun-howitzers. Hanwha Aerospace representatives say the new deal emphasizes the deepening defense relations between Seoul and New Delhi. South Korea and India are considered among the world's major powers, alongside neighboring China, which is perceived as a threat.
Tracked self-propelled howitzers are essential equipment for the Indian army. Thanks to them and the indigenous towed ATAGS systems of 155 mm caliber, India can systematically reduce the significance of the old howitzers still in service, including the Soviet-era M-46s of 130 mm caliber.
Local variant of the K9 Thunder
The K9 Thunder, as well as the K9 Vajra-T, is a gun-howitzer equipped with a main cannon of 155 mm caliber and a barrel length of 52 calibers. Along with standard ammunition, this can strike targets at about 25 miles. The onboard 12.7 mm caliber machine gun allows for the elimination of smaller targets at close range.
An engine with 1,000 horsepower enables this equipment, weighing over 100,000 pounds, to reach speeds of about 40 mph. The range on a full fuel tank is estimated to be around 310 miles. The K9 Vajra-T variant differs from the original primarily in its ability to operate more efficiently in harsh conditions—mountainous and desert areas—and at lower temperatures.
"The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will catalyze the artillery modernization and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army. This versatile artillery gun, with its cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strike with precision," wrote the Indian Ministry of Defense in a statement.
