Hanwha Aerospace has announced the signing of a new USD 253 million contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to supply components for 100 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers to the Indian Army. The contract signing ceremony took place at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in the defense partnership between South Korea and India.
This second contract follows the successful delivery of the initial 100 units ordered in 2017, which demonstrated exceptional performance across India’s diverse operational environments.
The new contract marks a significant advancement in the established production framework. While the first K9 Vajra-T program achieved over 50% local production, the new contract aims to increase this to 60% through expanded industrial cooperation.
“This follow-up order reflects the deepening defense partnership between Korea and India,” said Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “We will continue to be a trusted, reliable partner for India’s defense capabilities in the years ahead, supporting India’s vision for defense manufacturing self-reliance.”
The defense cooperation between Korea and India has expanded significantly in recent years, encompassing various domains including land systems, aerospace, and maritime technologies. The success of the K9 Vajra-T program has paved the way for exploring additional opportunities in areas such as air defense systems and advanced military technologies.
The K9 Vajra-T has proven its exceptional capabilities across India’s challenging terrains with its advanced 155mm/52-caliber gun system. The artillery system delivers precision fire at long range while maintaining a high rate of fire in burst mode and sustained operations.
Hanwha Aerospace remains committed to expanding its partnership with India beyond the K9 Vajra program. The company’s comprehensive portfolio, including advanced air defense systems and aerospace technologies, aligns well with India’s military modernization goals. This partnership exemplifies the growing defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and India, setting a foundation for future collaborative projects in defense manufacturing.
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