Kargil (Jammu and Kashmir): Bofors gun deal with Sweden was one of the most controversial arms deal in Indian history, but this is the gun that won Kargil war for India.
According to former military officers and defence analysts, the Bofors guns, which were used for the first time as direct fire role weapon in the Kargil war, inflicted huge casualties on the Pakistan forces. These 155 mm howitzer guns were instrumental in helping Indian soldiers regain territory and eventually win the war.
Former Army chief VP Malik writes in the book 'Kargil: From Surprise to Victory' that 1000 Bofors guns were used in the Kargil war, which led to the Army's victory.
It is important to clarify here that the Bofors weapon is one of the most important weapons used in the war and it was used to target the rival Army with large rockets, missiles and other bombs.
According to military officials, Bofors has been deployed on borders other than the Ladakh region. On the occasion 'Kargil Vijay Divas', the Army deployed in the Dras area exhibited Bofors. During which, detailed information was given about its combat features.
It is to be noted that Bofors can fire bombs and missiles up to a distance of 30 kilometres in the high-altitude terrain.
Also Read: Kargil Vijay Diwas: Indian Army displays weapons used during Kargil War