The deployment of the Vajra 155mm/52 caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer to the Indian Army can be considered one of its true acquisition success stories.
The 2017 project contract with Indian firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) includes a partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Defense, which was originally formed in 2012 to supply the Army with its K-9 Thunder artillery system. The contract reflects an initial delivery of 100 K-9s, including work sharing for local Indian content and L&T. Launched under the Make in India programme, culminating in successful delivery at the end of February 2021.
As reflected in the Indian media, MoD sources indicated that an order for another 100 systems would be considered soon. A request for proposal may be issued to L&T following government approval in September, which is expected to be a fast track. The goal is to eventually dispatch as many as 300 Vajras.
The effort has gained some urgency because of tensions between the North and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). In fact, the Indian army has deployed a complete King Kong artillery regiment in eastern Ladakh in response. These guns require a winterization kit suitable for the expected sub-zero environment, as the Vajra has only been tested in the opposite desert heat. According to reports, the performance of the vajra was satisfactory.
The Vajra-T K-9 was selected after a competition with the Russian 2S19 MSTA-S. The first 10 were provided by Hanwha and the remaining 90 by L&T under license.
In addition to hull and turret fabrication and machining, the Vajra used 14 major systems of Indian origin, including fire control, communications and environmental/NBC protection.
Additionally, adaptations for desert operations have been introduced and the Vajra is expected to face Pakistan. The system features self-loading, a range of 40 km and a 1000 hp engine. Together, it delivers superior firepower and mobility in a reliable platform well suited for the modern battlefield.
With the L&T production line largely idle due to the unresolved situation on the border with China, it can be expected that a new King Kong order will be formally announced soon.
Stephen W. Miller
