Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Armored Systems Complex developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at Hazira near the town of Surat in Gujarat. This is the country’s first private facility where the K9 Vajra, self-propelled Howitzer guns, will be manufactured. Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was also present at the inauguration.
In 2017, L&T won the $700 million contract from the Ministry of Defense to supply 100 units of K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 caliber, tracked, self-propelled gun systems to the Indian Army under the government’s ”Make in India” initiative.
Spread over 40 acres, within L&T’s sprawling 755-acre Hazira manufacturing establishment, the Armored System Complex is equipped with high-end machinery and automation aids, feeder shops, and a full-fledged mobility test track for acceptance and qualification of armored vehicles. The facility will also manufacture armored platforms such as self-propelled artillery Howitzers, future infantry combat vehicles, future ready combat vehicles or future main battle tanks. I visited L&T Hazira and toured its impressive heavy manufacturing factory over five years ago.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
