The K9 VAJRA-T SPH is an enhanced version of HTW’s K9 Thunder, customised and co-developed by L&T and HTW to suit the specific requirements of the Indian army, including desert operations. Among the requirements, special attention is paid to performance in desert conditions.
In January 2020, it was reported that Larsen&Toubro delivered the 51st V9 Vajra-T tracked self-propelled howitzer to the Indian Army.
Larsen&Toubro's share in the production of K-9 Vajra must be at least 50%. It includes a hull, turret elements and 14 main subsystems: fire control system, ammunition supply system, artillery ballistic station, NBC system, an auxiliary power unit, communications equipment, turret and hull components. HTW will supply the towers.
HTW hopes that in case of positive feedback on the first batch of SPH, the Indian Ministry of Defense can conclude additional contracts for the supply of K-9. The South Korean manufacturer estimates the needs of the Indian Armed Forces at 250-300 units, but the initial contract was for 100 SPH, which will cover the urgent needs of the Ground Forces.
Final assembly of the K-9 Vajra-T is carried out at the Larsen&Toubro plant in Telegaon.