L&T Secures Major Defence Contract

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leader in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) and hi-tech manufacturing, has won a major contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, to supply K9 Vajra-T artillery platforms to the Indian Army.

This contract signifies the second batch of the K9 Vajra-T platforms, following the successful execution of the first batch contract awarded in 2017. The contract classification as "Major" indicates its value lies between ₹5,000 crores and ₹10,000 crores.

Overview of K9 Vajra-T Artillery Platforms

The K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled artillery platform, adapted from the renowned South Korean K9 Thunder howitzer. It has been co-developed by L&T in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, tailored to meet the unique operational requirements of the Indian Army.

These platforms are capable of performing exceptionally well in diverse terrains, including:

• Deserts
• Plains
• High-altitude regions

The first batch of 100 K9 Vajra-T platforms was delivered ahead of schedule, showcasing L&T's ability to handle complex defence systems.

Manufacturing Hub: Hazira Armoured Systems Complex

The second batch of K9 Vajra-T platforms will be manufactured at L&T’s state-of-the-art Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat.

• Inaugurated in January 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the facility has played a pivotal role in the development of indigenous armoured and artillery platforms.
• It operates within an integrated industrial ecosystem, involving numerous MSME partners for components and subsystems.

L&T's Contribution to Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Mr. Arun Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head of L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, emphasized:

“We are focused on helping build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and making India’s defence forces self-reliant with indigenously manufactured equipment.”

This aligns with the Government of India’s vision of reducing dependence on foreign defence systems and promoting domestic manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative.

Legacy of Excellence in Defence Manufacturing

• In 2017, L&T secured its first K9 Vajra-T contract through global competitive bidding, which included rigorous field evaluations.
• The K9 Vajra platforms delivered under this contract have consistently met operational requirements and performed exceptionally well since induction.

Commitment to Ethical Manufacturing

L&T has reiterated its ethical stance, ensuring that it:

• Does not manufacture or customize munitions such as explosives, cluster munitions, antipersonnel landmines, or nuclear weapons.
• Focuses solely on armoured platforms and artillery systems for the Indian Army’s operational needs.

About Larsen & Toubro

Larsen & Toubro is a USD 27 billion Indian multinational enterprise with expertise in:

• EPC projects
• Hi-tech manufacturing
• Services across multiple geographies

With a legacy of over eight decades, L&T remains a trusted partner for cutting-edge defence systems, driven by a customer-focused approach and a commitment to quality.

Broader Implications for India’s Defence Sector

1. Strengthened Indigenous Capability
   This contract underscores India’s growing ability to develop and manufacture advanced defence platforms domestically.

2. Boost to MSME Ecosystem
   L&T’s collaboration with MSME partners ensures broader participation in India’s defence manufacturing, fostering innovation and job creation.

3. Enhanced Defence Preparedness
   The deployment of K9 Vajra-T platforms will bolster the Indian Army’s capabilities in diverse operational scenarios, contributing to national security.

Conclusion

L&T’s major win in the defence sector solidifies its position as a key contributor to India’s self-reliant defence ecosystem. The successful execution of this contract will not only enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Army but also serve as a testament to the potential of indigenous defence manufacturing.

This milestone highlights L&T’s enduring commitment to innovation, quality, and nation-building, as India strides confidently toward achieving greater self-reliance in critical defence technologies.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Solar91 Cleantech, Anya Polytech, Rosmerta Digital, Indo Farm, and Avanse Financial. The Current active IPO is Unimech Aerospace, Ventive Hospitality, Senores Pharmaceuticals, Carraro India, Transrail Lighting, Mamata Machinery, DAM Capital, Sanathan Textiles, Concord Enviro and Newmalayan Steel. For more details on upcoming IPOs, you can visit our page at  and stay updated with the latest news on IPO updates on . Join our  for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by  - SEBI Registered Research Analyst &  for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Updates. Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by opening a Free Demat Account in .Best IPO to Apply Now - IPO List 2024, Latest IPO, Upcoming IPO, Recent IPO News, Live IPO GMP Today - Finance SaathiTop News Headlines - Share Market News, Latest IPO News, Business News, Economy News - Finance SaathiTrading with CA Abhay Telegram ChannelCA Abhay VarnFinance Saathi Telegram ChannelChoice Broking FinX