PM Modi inaugurates L&T's howitzer gun-manufacturing unit in Surat, rides K9 Vajra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated India's first private sector howitzer gun-manufacturing unit at Hazira in Surat. The K9 Vajra self-propelled Howitzer guns will be manufactured at this Armoured Systems Complex of Larsen & Toubro (L&T). At the L&T unit, PM Modi was seen checking out the new gun system. He also shared a small clip of him riding the K-9 Vajra howitzer. The video since has gone viral.

PM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out foPM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out for a spin at L&T's Surat facility

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated India's first private sector howitzer gun-manufacturing unit at Hazira in Surat. The K9 Vajra self-propelled Howitzer guns will be manufactured at this Armoured Systems Complex of Larsen & Toubro (L&T). At the L&T unit, PM Modi was seen checking out the new gun system. He also shared a small clip of him riding the K-9 Vajra howitzer. The video since has gone viral.

PM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out for a spin at L&T's Surat facility

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The L&T had in 2017 won the Rs 4,500-crore contract from the Ministry of Defence to supply 100 units of K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52 calibre tracked self-propelled gun systems to the Indian Army under the Centre's 'Make in India' initiative.

PM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out for a spin at L&T's Surat facility

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In a series of tweets, PM Modi also congratulated the Vajra team. “Had the privilege of inaugurating the Larsen and Toubro Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. Boosting ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector is our endeavour. I am glad that the private sector too is supporting this pursuit and making a valuable contribution,” PM Modi said on Twitter.

PM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out for a spin at L&T's Surat facility

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The company has set up the Armoured Systems Complex at Hazira, around 30km from Surat, to manufacture and integrate advanced armoured platforms, such as self-propelled artillery Howitzers, future infantry combat vehicles, future-ready combat vehicles and future main battle tanks.

PM Modi takes K9 Vajra howtizer gun out for a spin at L&T's Surat facility

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The manufacturing complex is executing the 'K9 Vajra-T 155 mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled Howitzer guns' programme. K9 Vajra contract involves delivery of 100 such systems in 42 months, which is the largest contract awarded to a private company by the Ministry of Defence.