Larsen & Toubro Is Finalist In India's $750-Million Artillery Project

Larsen & Toubro have emerged as the finalist for a $750-million contract to supply 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzer self-propelled artillery guns to the Indian Army.

L&T in partnership with Samsung pitched the 155 mm artillery guns. The artillery guns, specially designed for operation in the desert areas, have been shortlisted for the contract, the Economic Times reported today.

Further, they are the first artillery gun to be produced in India since 1980s that was when Bofors was acquired.

At the same time, India is also making efforts to procure M777 ultra-light howitzers from the US is under progress. The final process could take another six months.

The Vajra, which will be produced at L&T's Pune facility, could be considered for exports in the future, along with an expected follow-on order for more guns for the Army.

India's artillery modernisation plans have been stuck since the 1980s after the Bofors kickbacks scandal. Since then even a single new modern system has not been purchased, limiting the Army's battlefield edge.

Self-propelled guns are vital for their "shoot and scoot" ability as well as a high flexibility of deployment in the battlefield. India's plans for similar systems have been stuck since 1999, with several failed rounds at identifying a gun.