India advances artillery capabilities with ramjet shells and K-9 Vajra procurement

India is advancing its military artillery capabilities through both technological development and large-scale procurement. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with IIT Madras, is developing 155mm ramjet-powered artillery shells. This technology aims to extend the strike range of traditional artillery from approximately 45 kilometres to 80 kilometres, allowing for deep-strike capabilities without the need for heavy missile systems.

In a separate procurement move, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) valued at over ₹20,000 crore for 335 additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers. This initiative is part of a larger ₹2.12 lakh crore procurement package, with approximately 82 per cent dedicated to Indian industry. While the AoN is an initial stage that requires further trials and negotiations before a formal order is placed, the project seeks to exceed 70 per cent localisation for the Vajra platforms, which are manufactured domestically by Larsen & Toubro under licence.