Hanwha to deliver K9 components to L&T

Hanwha will supply components to L&T to manufacture 100 K9 Vajra-T SPHs for the Indian Army. (Indian MoD)

South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with Indian defence manufacturer Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to support the Indian Army's procurement of 100 K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzers (SPHs).

According to an announcement made by Hanwha Aerospace on 3 April, the company will supply L&T with components worth USD253 million to produce the K9 Vajra-T SPHs.

“While the first K9 Vajra-T programme achieved over 50% local production, the new contract aims to increase this to 60% through expanded industrial co-operation,” Hanwha said in the announcement.

The contract for components follows a December 2024 deal that was signed between the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and L&T to supply the Indian Army with K9 Vajra-T SPHs. The contract was valued at INR76.287 billion (USD894 million).

The MoD had also previously signed a separate contract with L&T in March 2017 valued at INR42 billion for the delivery of the first 100 K9 Vajra-T SPHs to the Indian Army.

The K9 Vajra-T is a modified version of Hanwha's K9 Thunder SPH, produced as a part of a joint venture with L&T. The unit has been customised by L&T and Hanwha to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army.

The K9 is powered by a German 1,000 hp MTU MT 881 Ka-500 V8 water-cooled diesel engine and driven by a fully automatic US-origin Allison transmission.

Operated by a five-man crew, the 47 tonne SPH is capable of firing projectiles to ranges between 18 km and 42 km.

Janes