NEW DELHI, Apr 20: India is looking to deepen its defence partnership with South Korea, with discussions underway for a third phase of cooperation that will emphasise greater technology transfer, co-development and joint design of advanced military systems, a senior official of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said today.
Addressing a media briefing in the national capital, MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran highlighted the steady expansion of bilateral defence ties, particularly in the areas of artillery systems, air defence and emerging technologies.
“On India-South Korea defence cooperation, Korea supplies K9 Vajra systems, anti-aircraft systems. There are already two phases of supplies that have happened. We’re looking at the third phase, which involves a greater technology transfer. We’re also looking at other kinds of anti-aircraft guns and missile systems,” he said.
The K9 Vajra-T is a 155 mm, 52-calibre tracked self-propelled howitzer that forms a key component of the Indian Army’s modern artillery capability. Manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro with technology transferred from South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace, the system is based on the widely used K9 Thunder platform.
Designed for versatility across varied terrains, including deserts and high-altitude areas, the K9 Vajra can fire a wide range of ammunition such as high-explosive, smoke and illumination shells. Equipped with a 155mm/52 calibre gun mounted on a 50-tonne chassis with all-welded steel armour up to 19 mm thick, it can fire 47 kg shells at distances of up to around 50 km.
The system features a high rate of fire, three rounds in 15 seconds in burst mode and up to six to eight rounds per minute for sustained firing, and is integrated with a digital fire control system that enables multiple rounds to hit a target simultaneously. Its advanced mobility allows it to manoeuvre effectively in combat, including the ability to turn on the spot, enhancing its operational flexibility in battlefield conditions.
Speaking about the scope of work involved in this cooperation, Kumaran said, “The earlier two phases of cooperation were primarily oriented towards direct acquisitions and progressive localization, but Phase III will take the relationship even further with advanced manufacturing and technology transfer.”
Going forward with the discussion on the areas of future cooperation, he continued, “Co-development and technology transfer, co-design, et cetera, of next-generation defence systems are some other areas where we want to explore cooperation. Then there are possibilities of co-operation on procurement of defence hardware, telecom equipment, cyber security…”
There has been a steady increase in the strategic partnership between India and South Korea in recent times, with defence now being one of the key pillars along with trade, technology, and maritime cooperation.
While the production of artillery weapons systems such as the K9 Vajra has been the highlight of this joint venture, there are ongoing talks on developing air defence systems, which include both anti-aircraft guns as well as missile platforms to tackle new aerial threats such as drones.
Speaking on the outcomes of high-level discussions, Kumaran said the talks reflected growing concerns over global instability, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Gulf region.
“There was a broad discussion on the upheaval caused by geopolitical contestations and conflicts It was agreed that both sides should cooperate to strengthen peace, security, and multilateral institutions,” Kumaran added.
(UNI)
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