E-Paper
Indian Army deploys K9-Vajra howitzer regiment along LAC: Know all about the guns
The K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer weighs 50 tonnes and can strike enemy targets 50 kilometres away. These howitzers can also turn around at zero radius, basically at the same place where they are standing. Their induction will give a huge fillip to the firepower capability of Indian Army.
The Indian Army has deployed the first K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer regiment in the forward areas in Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, news agency ANI reported.
In a video posted by the news agency, the K9-Vajra were seen navigating the mountainous terrain in Ladakh with ease and at high speed.
The gun can strike enemy targets at around 50 kilometres.
The howitzers are among a large number of military equipment dedicated by the central government to the service of the nation 2018.
Here is everything you need to know about the K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer:
• The 155mm/52 calibre guns are being made at Armoured Systems Complex of Larsen and Toubro (L&T) in Gujarat under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative.
• L&T had in 2017 won the ₹4,500-crore contract from the defence ministry to supply 100 units of K9-Vajra. The company has set up the facility in Hazira, around 30km from Surat.
• The defence ministry contract involves delivery of 100 such systems in 42 months.
• The first 10 of these guns were imported from Hanwha Techwin of South Korea in semi knocked down state - or incompletely disassembled kit - and were assembled by L&T in India.
• The gun weighs 50 tonnes and can fire 47kg bombs.
• These howitzers can also turn around at zero radius, basically at the same place where they are standing.
• India has added fire technology system and major electronics and enhancements in the guns.
• Their induction will give a huge fillip to the firepower capability of Indian Army on the country's western borders.
