Context: The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for additional 100 units of K9 Vajra-T artillery guns for the Indian Army.
Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun.
About K9 Vajra-T Artillery gun:
- K9-Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer built in India.
- Built by: L&T with technology transferred from a South Korean defence firm (Hanwha Defense) based on its K9 Thunder.
- They are being manufactured at the Armoured Systems Complex of L&T in Hazira, Gujarat.
- Each gun weighs 50 tonnes and has a firing range of 50 kilometres with high accuracy.
- It is able to operate in sub-zero temperatures in high-altitude areas to its full potential.
- The K9 Vajra was mainly bought for use in deserts but can be deployed in mountains and plains as well.
Note: The Army has already inducted 100 units of 155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T guns (the contract for which was signed between India & South Korea in May 2017).
Significance:
- It will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Indian Army.
- It augments India’s long-range fire power in the Northern borders, enabling deeper strike with precision.
- The induction of Dhanush, K-9 Vajra and M777 Ultra Light Howitzers has enhanced the reach of artillery firepower on the northern borders.
- At the height of tensions in eastern Ladakh in 2020, Indian Army deployed one regiment of K-9 Vajra howitzer in Ladakh.
- The project will generate employment of more than nine lakh man-days and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs.