Cloud over Korean howitzers

NEW DELHI: The frequent malfunctioning of the K-9 self-propelled howitzers in South Korea, which included an explosion killing two soldiers last week, has raised questions about the reliability of the artillery gun system, an "advanced version" of which is slated for induction by the Indian Army.

The Indian government had recently inked a Rs 4,366 crore contract with engineering conglomerate L&T for the supply of 100 K-9 Vajra-T howitzers in collaboration with its South Korean technology partner Hanwha Tech Win. These 155mm/52-calibre tracked guns are to be delivered to the Indian Army within 42 months, as was earlier reported by TOI.

South Korean media reports have questioned the trustworthiness of the K-9 howitzers, while pointing out that a parliamentary inquiry in 2016 had said there were over 1,700 reports of the guns malfunctioning over the last five years. The latest accident happened on August 18 when two soldiers were killed in an explosion during a training session.


A top L&T official, on being contacted, said, "We do not have full details of the latest accident in South Korea but it could be due to the gun's auto-loader. The K-9 Vajra-T guns, built on tough requirements laid down by the Indian Army, are an advanced version of the K-9 howitzers. They have indigenous fire control systems and auto-loaders...there has been no misfire in the trials here."