K9 Vajra: A test of the ‘Make in India’ initiative

The Indian private sector is set to manufacture its first ever artillery gun, with L&T ready to supply its K9 ‘ Vajra’ mobile howitzer to the Indian Army.

A look at the system.

The Gun
The K9 Vajra is an indigenised version of a Samsung mobile howitzer. The gun is mounted on a tracked platform, making it manoeuvrable over tough terrain. The 155-mm howitzer can hit targets at a distance of 40km.

Its Purpose
India has been lacking in artillery systems to counter Pakistan. The Vajra, being highly mobile as it can move at speeds of over 60 km per hour, can be used at different points in a battlefield, delivering a punishing eight rounds a minute into enemy territory. It can traverse up to 450 km on its own, giving it devastating force multiplier ability.

Make in India
The production of at least a 100 guns in India would not only bring in jobs and technical knowhow but also be a test of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The challenge will be to showcase that India can produce a world quality weapon system at lower costs.

The X factor
The victory for L&T to bag the Rs 4,500 cr contract is especially sweet as it won it under a global tender. This means that no special favour was given to L&T for being an Indian firm and international selection standards were followed.