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1.       In the middle of 1971, when the tension increased between India and Pakistan, it is felt by the Army authorities that there were certain areas where they would not be able to provide effective and concentrated Artillery support.

2.       Gen S H F J Manekshaw, the then COAS, discussed the situation with Sh K F Rustamji, DG BSF and suggested the raising of some Post Group Artillery (PGA) for which guns, connected equipment  and ammunition was to be provided by the Army but was to be staffed by the BSF. The main task of this Post Group Artillery was to provide close support to BSF units primarily in defensive role and also provide support in limited offensive tasks.

3.       Sh K F Rustamji accepted the suggestion and accordingly submitted a proposal to raise twenty PGsA. Fifteen PGsA were required for the various Sectors and the balance were to be kept as reserve, to be raised as Rocket Batteries later. Each PGA was equipped with four 3.7 inch Howitzer Guns or 4.2 inch Mortars. The proposal was immediately accepted by the Government and BSF Arty was raised on 01 October 1971 just before the Indo-Pak war by disbanding 101 Battalion of the BSF.

4.       Brig R P Mittal, Ex-Commander Artillery from Army, was appointed as Commander Artillery BSF and was assigned the task of raising this important wing of the Force with its Headquarters in Delhi. By mid November, with the efforts of training teams from Indian Army and dedication of our own men, the PGsA completed their Practice Firing Camps and were deployed in the operational areas for the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

5.       In October, 1991, all PGsA Units were re-designated as “BSF Arty Regts & Btys” and formed  seven Artillery Regiments with 03 x Btys in each Regt (except 1077 Regt with 02 Btys) having 06 x Guns in each Bty with a view to give compatible identity with Army Artillery unit.

6.       Initially, BSF Arty Bty(s) were meant for static defensive role and Regt HQrs had very limited role. Over a period of time, tac & ops scenario has changed and now BSF Arty is mandated to operate like any other Army Arty Fd Regt. BSF Arty Regts are now commanded by Comdts, have compatible guns and are being deployed under Army Ops Control during war. The role & tasks of BSF Arty Regts and Army Arty Fd Regts are similar.

7.       It is a matter of great pride that BSF is the only CAPF in the world to have its own Arty, which enhances the operational efficiency of the Force.In last 50 years, BSF Arty has performed extremely well, be it 1971 Indo-Pak war, OP Vijay or OP Parakram, or in delivery of Coordinated Fire Assaults in response to Cease Fire Violations by Pakistan in recent times.

8.       Presently, BSF Artillery is equipped with 105 mm LFGs which provide BSF with increased range, lethality and accuracy as per the needs and requirement of time. BSF Arty Regts and Arty Trg school are functioning under the overall command and direction of DIG/Commander Arty.