Monday, June 6 2005 18:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Karlskoga: Drawing heavily on the performance of their guns during the Kargil conflict, Bofors has unveiled their latest 155MM L 52 automatic Howitzers capable of firing shells upto a range of 60 kms and have offered technology transfer of the guns to India.

Though the new state-of-the-art guns have been kept under wraps by the manufacturers Bofors Defence AB, the company has already received queries from the United States, Swedish Government as well as India, which is in on the verge of modernising its artillery arm.

"These guns meet Indian requirements and we have invited Indian Army experts for live demonstrations of the guns in Karlskoga," Hakin Kangart, Chief of the SWS Defence, the Indian specific arm of the Bofors, said.

Offering technology transfer for the new-wheeled self propelled guns as well as the upgraded towed ones, he said.

Bofors was ready to upgrade its 400 155mm guns, which are currently being used by the Indian Army.

"We are ready to enhance the range of the guns and induct electronic packages including new computerised fire control system for the guns," the Bofors official said.

Sporting armour protection equivalent to a tracked armoured vehicle, reinforced mine protection and Nuclear Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection for the crew, the guns christened 'Archer' were unveiled before a visiting group of Indian newsmen here.