The Indian MoD signed a contract with L&T for the supply of K9 Vajra-T SPHs on 20 December in New Delhi. (Indian MoD)
India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a contract with the country's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver an unspecified number of K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) to the Indian Army.
The MoD announced the contract on 20 December, which is valued at INR76.287 billion (USD897 million). The announcement did not disclose the number of SPHs nor the time of delivery.
The statement released by L&T on 23 December said the SPHs will be manufactured in their Armoured Systems Complex at Hazira in Gujarat.
According to the MoD announcement, the SPHs are capable of operations at high-altitude locations with sub-zero temperatures.
The K9 Vajra-T is a modified version of Hanwha's K9 Thunder SPH, produced as a part of a joint venture with L&T. The unit has been customised by L&T and Hanwha to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Army.
The K9 is powered by a German 1,000 hp MTU MT 881 Ka-500 V8 water-cooled diesel engine and driven by a fully automatic US-origin Allison transmission.
Operated by a five-man crew, the 47 tonne SPH is capable of firing projectiles to ranges between 18 km and 42 km.
Janes previously reported that the K9 Vajra-T has a maximum firing range of 38 km. The K9's burst rate of fire is three rounds in 30 seconds, with a rate of fire of 15 rounds in three minutes.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence,
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