Why in news
The Indian Defence Ministry signed a ₹7,629-crore contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for 100 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns for the Indian Army.
The project will create over 9 lakh man-days of employment over 4 years and involve various Indian industries, including MSMEs.
K9 Vajra-T
The K9 Vajra is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer (a short gun for firing shells on high trajectories at low velocities)
Built in India by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) with technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
The K9 Thunder platform is made of all-welded steel armour protection material.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology for long-range, high-accuracy fire and rapid firing.
Designed to operate effectively in sub-zero temperatures and high-altitude areas.
The K9 gun has been developed under the ‘Buy Global’ programme of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) where foreign companies are allowed to participate.
The K9 Vajra-T was deployed in Ladakh to counter the Chinese military presence, showcasing its strategic importance.
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