Indian Army deploys K9-Vajra howitzer regiment along LAC

• 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.
• The howitzers are among a large number of military equipment dedicated by the central government to the service of the nation 2018.
• The gun can strike enemy targets at around 50 kilometres.

About 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.