Hanwha Aerospace wins new K9 Vajra-T contract from India

Hanwha Aerospace has announced the signing of a new US$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 defence partnership between South Korea and India. South Korean Soldiers in the 631st Field Artillery Battalion, 26th Mechanized Infantry Division Artillery, coordinate fires from a battery of six K9s. 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 defence 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 defence capabilities in the years ahead, supporting India’s vision for defence manufacturing self-reliance.” The defence 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 defence 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 defence systems and aerospace technologies, aligns well with India’s military modernisation goals. This partnership exemplifies the growing defence industrial cooperation between South Korea and India, setting a foundation for future collaborative projects in defence manufacturing. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]