CCS approves procurement of 100 K-9 Vajra howitzers & 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI for Armed Forces

New Delhi: Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) of India approved significant defence projects worth approximately ₹20,000 crore (around $2.4 billion) under the “Make in India” initiative.

This includes the procurement of 100 K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Armed Forces.

The order for the K-9 Vajra, a 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer, will be fulfilled by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Hazira facility in Gujarat. This marks a repeat order following the successful induction of an initial batch of 100 units, which were delivered as part of a previous contract valued at ₹4,500 crore in 2017.

The K-9 Vajra has been effectively deployed in various terrains, including desert and mountainous regions, particularly during recent tensions along the India-China border in Ladakh.

The K-9 Vajra is recognized for its high mobility and rapid rate of fire, making it a critical asset for modern artillery operations. Its design incorporates over 18,000 indigenous components, showcasing India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The new order is expected to enhance operational capabilities further, especially with winter-ready variants being developed for deployment in harsh climates.

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