The Indian Army has welcomed its first series of modern artillery guns at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges in Maharashtra. The M777 American Ultra Light Howitzers, K9 Vajra, and a ‘Composite Gun Tractor’ are the new inductees to the Army’s weaponry. These advanced systems mark significant changes since the last induction of the Bofors FH77B02 in 1987.
About K9 Vajra
The K9 VAJRA-T 155mm/ 52 is a self-propelled howitzer originally derived from the design of South Korea’s mainstay, the K9 Thunder. Offering a high rate of fire that extends over a long range, the K9 Vajra is compatible with both Indian and standard NATO ammunition.
Encased in an all-welded steel armor, the K9 gun was developed as part of the ‘Buy Global’ program under the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), encouraging foreign technology participation. This particular piece is the product of a partnership between L&T and Hanwha Techwin of South Korea. The first ten units have been assembled locally by L&T after being imported from South Korea, while the remaining 90 will be predominantly manufactured in India.
About M777 Howitzer
Procured from the USA under Government-to-Government Foreign Military Sales in 2016, the M777 Howitzer is a 155mm, 39 Caliber Ultra light weapon. The gun’s lightness, thanks to its titanium and aluminium alloy construction, combined with its effective firing range of 24 km, makes it suitable for agile high altitude operations against China and Pakistan. Made notable from ample use in Iraq and Afghanistan, this quick-transportable equipment will especially pair well with the Chinook helicopters.
It was procured through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) under the ‘Buy Global’ initiative of DPP. The assembly will be undertaken by BAE Systems from the U.S.A. in cooperation with Mahindra Defence.
| Weapon | Country of Origin | Weight | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| M777 Howitzer | USA | 4 tonnes | 24 km |
| K9 Vajra | South Korea | Varies | Varies |
The Significance of These Acquisitions
The artillery has been a game-changer in military combat, boasting the capability to infiltrate even well-constructed shelters and bunkers with high accuracy. The Indian Army had the 130 mm guns and the 105 mm guns, inducted in the 1960s and 70s. Due to their limited firing capabilities, both M777 and K9 Vajra are expected to strengthen firepower in areas where deployment constrains fire support for troops operating defensively. The acquisition also boosts technological knowledge among domestic manufacturers, spurring indigenous production of defense equipment.
Defence Procurement Procedure
Replacing the DPP-2013, the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP-2016) came into effect in line with recommendations from the Dhirendra Singh Committee. The new procedures aim to boost the Make-in-India initiative by promoting the local design, development, and manufacture of defense equipment and systems. A new class of procurement known as ‘Buy Indian (IDDM)’ – Indigenous Designed Developed and Manufactured – was introduced, earning preference in all acquisitions. Other categories ‘Buy (Indian)’ and ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ also receive preference over ‘Buy (Global)’ & ‘Buy & Make (Global)’ categories.
