40mm L/60

The Bofors 40mm L/60 is a renowned anti-aircraft autocannon developed by Sweden in the 1930s. It was widely adopted by numerous countries and saw extensive service during World War II and beyond, proving highly effective against aircraft and light ground targets.

Developed by AB Bofors in response to a 1928 Swedish Navy requirement for a rapid-fire naval anti-aircraft weapon, the gun officially entered service in 1932. During World War II, it became the premier light anti-aircraft weapon for Allied forces, proving particularly vital for the U.S. Navy in defending warships against Japanese kamikaze attacks. It was also widely adapted for land-based mobile platforms and British air defense units during the Battle of Britain. Today, while largely succeeded by the faster-firing L/70 variant, the L/60 legacy endures through its continued specialized use, most famously aboard the United States Air Force's AC-130 gunships.