Hanwha Aerospace Clinches $253M Contract for Cutting-Edge K9 Howitzers in India: A Game-Changer!
Hanwha Aerospace has announced the initiation of a new USD 253 million agreement with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to supply components for an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers for the Indian Army. The formal contract signing 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 new accord follows the successful provision of the initial 100 units ordered in 2017, which demonstrated exceptional performance across India’s diverse operational environments.
The recent contract signifies a substantial improvement in the current production framework. While the original K9 Vajra-T initiative accomplished over 50% local production, the new agreement aims to boost this to 60% through expanded industrial collaboration.
“This new order illustrates the strengthening defense collaboration between Korea and India,” stated Jae-il Son, CEO and President of Hanwha Aerospace. “We will continue to be a reliable partner for India’s defense capabilities in the upcoming years, supporting India’s ambition for self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing.”
The defense collaboration between Korea and India has significantly advanced in recent years, encompassing various sectors including land systems, aerospace, and naval technologies. The success of the K9 Vajra-T program has paved the way for exploring further prospects in areas such as air defense systems and state-of-the-art military technologies.
The K9 Vajra-T has showcased its impressive capabilities across India’s challenging terrains with its sophisticated 155mm/52-caliber artillery system. This artillery solution enables precision strikes at extended distances while maintaining a high firing rate in swift bursts and enduring operations.
Hanwha Aerospace remains committed to enhancing its cooperation with India beyond the K9 Vajra initiative. The company’s extensive portfolio, which includes advanced air defense solutions and aerospace innovations, aligns perfectly with India’s military modernization goals. This partnership epitomizes the growing defense industrial collaboration between South Korea and India, establishing a foundation for future joint endeavors in defense manufacturing.
