The Defence Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for procurement of 52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 7,628.70 crore.

The contract was signed by senior officials of the Defence ministry and representatives of L&T in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in Delhi on Friday. The MoU is expected to significantly bolster the Army’s strike capability.

The gun, equipped with cutting-edge technology, is capable of delivering long-range lethal fires with high accuracy. It will be able to operate in sub-zero temperatures in high-altitude areas to its full potential, the Defence Ministry said in a release.

Recently, the cabinet committee approved the acquisition of 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers to strengthen the Army’s capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

The procurement of K9 Vajra-T will catalyse the artillery modernisation and enhance overall operational readiness of the Indian Army, the ministry said.

“This versatile artillery gun, with its cross-country mobility, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army, enabling deeper strike with precision and its lethal firepower will bolster the capability of artillery in all terrains,” it said.

“The project will generate an employment of more than nine lakh man-days over a period of four years and encourage active participation of various Indian industries including MSMEs,” the ministry said, adding that it will be “proud flag-bearer” of the Aatmanirbar Bharat initiative.