India to double K-9 Vajra artillery fleet

India is significantly expanding its artillery capabilities with plans to procure 200 additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, which will double the fleet to approximately 400 units. The new procurement phase will feature 70% indigenous content, up from 50% in the first batch and 60% in the second, as part of India's 'Make in India' defense initiative. The K-9 Vajra is a 155mm/52-caliber system built through a partnership between Larsen & Toubro and South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, capable of firing guided shells up to 50 km with shoot-and-scoot mobility. The artillery has proven combat effectiveness in diverse terrains including deserts and high-altitude regions like Ladakh, and played a key role in Operation Sindoor in 2025.