TSAMTO, February 3. According to information published on the India Today website, the Indian Defense Ministry may order a new batch of 200 units of 155-mm tracked self-propelled howitzers K-9 Vajra, the cost of which is estimated at $ 1.5 billion.
As reported by Armyrecognition.com With reference to India Today, a new order may be placed this year. Production can begin in 2023, and all deliveries will be completed by 2028. Until last year, the Indian Army planned to order only one or two K-9 regiments. Intentions could change due to the aggravation of the military-political situation in the region and the delay in national development programs.
As reported by TSAMTO, in September 2015, the Indian Ministry of Defense, based on the results of the tender, selected the Indian Larsen & Toubro, which, together with the South Korean Hanwha Techwin, offered an adapted version of the SG K-9 "Thunder", a supplier of new 155-mm self-propelled howitzers for the country's military.
In May 2017, Larsen & Toubro signed a contract with the Ministry of Defense of India for the supply of 100 units of 155-mm/52 self-propelled howitzers K-9 Vajra-T (five regiments) worth 43.66 billion ind. rupees (about $700 million), as well as an accompanying support package, including spare parts, documentation and training. The contract also included the transfer of technology for the maintenance of installations during their service life. In April 2017, Hanwha Techwin and Larsen & Toubro signed a contract worth $328.2 million for the supply of K-9.
The first 10 installations were produced in the Republic of Korea and transferred to India on November 9, 2018. The remaining 90 howitzers were assembled by the joint venture L&T and Hanwha Techwin at the enterprise in Hazira (Gujarat). Their delivery was completed in February 2021.
According to the resource Armyrecognition.com, L&T and the Defense Research and Development Organization of the Ministry of Defense of India (DRDO) are also working on the "Vajra light tank". The idea is to replace a heavy 155-mm gun with a 105-mm or 120-mm gun. The chassis or body will remain the same.
