The Kargil War, fought between India and Pakistan from May to July 1999, was a conflict that tested India’s military capabilities in high-altitude warfare. The Indian Army detected the intrusions between May 3 and May 12, 1999. The Indian Army identified the intrusions occurring from May 3 to May 12, 1999. The subsequent strategic planning for operations took place from May 15 to May 25, 1999. On May 26, 1999, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, a coordinated infantry and artillery assault with air support against regular Pakistani soldiers of the Northern Light Infantry occupying high-altitude mountain peaks and ridgelines. The operation aimed to evict the Pakistani intruders.
This conflict saw the Indian Armed Forces using a range of advanced weapons and tactical strategies to reclaim strategic positions infiltrated by Pakistani forces. The battle, fought in the challenging terrain of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir, showcased India’s military prowess and the critical role of weaponry in modern warfare.
Indian Army’s arsenal
Artillery and fire support
A key component of India’s success in the Kargil War was the effective use of artillery. The Bofors FH-77B howitzer, a 155mm artillery gun, played a crucial role due to its remarkable accuracy and range. This gun was instrumental in softening enemy bunkers and disrupting their supply lines making it one of the war’s standout weapons. The artillery barrage was so devastating that the Indian Army captured Tiger Hill and Point 4875 on July 5 and Mashkoh Valley on July 7, 1999. In recognition of the artillery’s outstanding performance in the Drass and Mashkoh sub-sectors, the Indian Army renamed Point 4875 as “Gun Hill.”
The Indian Army also employed the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system to deliver saturation fire over enemy positions creating a significant impact in strategic areas. M-46 field guns, with their 130mm calibre, were used for long-range barrages, effectively targeting enemy lines and fortifications. Additionally, mortars such as the L16 81mm and 120mm mortars were vital for indirect fire support providing infantry units with crucial backup in mountainous terrains where direct engagements were challenging.
Infantry weapons
Indian infantry units were equipped with a variety of small arms that proved essential for close-quarter combat in the challenging terrain of Kargil. The INSAS rifle, chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, served as the standard-issue assault rifle for the troops. It provided a reliable balance of range and accuracy. The AKM, a modernised version of the AK-47, was preferred by certain units for its reliability in harsh conditions. Additionally, the 1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, was employed for its powerful firing capability though it was being phased out at the time in favour of newer models.
The Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher was instrumental in inflicting significant damage on enemy infantry during the Kargil War. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and mounted on trucks, each unit comprises 12 rockets capable of firing within 44 seconds. The Mark-1 and Mark-2 variants have a range of 40 kilometres, while the Mark-3 extends this range to 65 kilometres.
To address the need for anti-tank measures and bunker destruction, the Indian Army used the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle, known for its effectiveness against armoured vehicles and fortified positions. Portable anti-aircraft missiles, such as the Igla and Strela-2, were also deployed to counter any potential aerial threats, offering defensive capabilities against low-flying enemy aircraft.
Armoured vehicles
Despite the rugged terrain limiting the deployment of armoured vehicles, the Indian Army successfully used T-72 tanks and BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles in areas where conditions allowed. These vehicles provided crucial mobility and firepower aiding infantry in reclaiming strategic points. The T-72 tanks, although primarily suited for plains warfare, were adapted for the conditions, providing heavy fire support when needed though their overall role was limited due to the geographical constraints.
Indian Air Force: Air supremacy and precision strikes
Aircraft and missions
Naming its operation Safedsagar, the Indian Air Force (IAF) played a pivotal role in the Kargil conflict through strategic air strikes and maintaining air superiority. The Mirage 2000 emerged as a gamechanger, particularly due to its precision strike capabilities. Equipped with Paveway II laser-guided bombs (LGBs), the Mirage 2000 targeted enemy bunkers with remarkable accuracy significantly aiding ground forces.
The IAF also deployed MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighters for various roles including air superiority missions, ground attacks and close air support. The MiG-29 was instrumental in providing air cover ensuring dominance over the Kargil skies. Jaguars, or SEPECAT Jaguars, were employed for deep penetration strikes, targeting enemy supply lines rather than fortified positions and using unguided bombs effectively.
Aerial weapons
In addition to precision bombs, the IAF utilised a range of missiles to ensure comprehensive aerial coverage. Air-to-air missiles, such as the R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) and R-73 (AA-11 Archer), equipped Indian fighters for engaging aerial threats effectively. For ground strikes, air-to-ground missiles like the Kh-29 and Kh-59 provided further precision enabling the IAF to dismantle well-fortified enemy installations and logistical targets.
Helicopters played a critical role
Helicopters played a multifaceted role in the Kargil War, providing essential support to the Indian Armed Forces across various operations. They were indispensable in both logistical and combat roles offering the agility and flexibility needed to operate effectively in the harsh terrain of the Kargil region.
Cheetah: This light utility helicopter used for reconnaissance and casualty evacuation capable of operating at high altitudes.
Chetak: Another light utility helicopter, Chetak, employed for observation and casualty evacuation missions known for its manoeuvrability in confined spaces.
Mi-17: This medium-lift helicopter modified for combat support roles including troop deployment, resupply missions and aerial strikes with mounted weaponry.
Mi-8: A medium-lift helicopter, Mi-8, was used for transporting troops and delivering logistical support to frontline units in remote areas.
Indian Navy’s strategic role
While the Indian Navy did not engage directly in combat operations in the mountainous regions, it played a strategic role through Operation Talwar. The navy enforced a preventive measure by positioning itself to deter any naval interference by Pakistan effectively ensuring that no maritime conflict could arise. This strategic posture contributed to the overall pressure on Pakistan by safeguarding India’s maritime interests and maintaining a broader regional stability.
Strategy and tactics
The success of the Kargil War can be attributed to the effective combination of military strategy and weaponry. The Indian Armed Forces adopted a coordinated approach involving artillery barrages to weaken enemy positions followed by precision airstrikes to dismantle fortifications. Subsequently, infantry units advanced to secure reclaimed territories often engaging in intense close-quarter battles.
Lessons learned and impact
The Kargil War was a demonstration of India’s military prowess showcasing the critical role of modern weaponry and strategy in contemporary conflicts. The conflict underscored the need for continued modernisation of India’s military capabilities particularly in high-altitude warfare. The lessons learnt from Kargil prompted significant upgrades in India’s military arsenal focussing on enhancing precision strike capabilities, high-altitude readiness and strategic planning. This war reinforced the importance of integrating technology with traditional combat methods to effectively address challenges in future conflicts.
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