Islamabad/New Delhi: Pakistan has allegedly deployed 250 Chinese-made SH-15 truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers along its border with India.
The 155mm artillery systems have been positioned across major sectors along Pakistan’s eastern frontier with India — from north to south — India Today reported, citing top intelligence sources.
This is the most significant development Islamabad has made in terms of military enhancement since Operation Sindoor, observers said.
The howitzers are manufactured by China’s state-owned defence company NORINCO. The system is mounted on a 6×6 chassis with a four-door, fully enclosed cab, which also has a 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the roof, according to a Janes report.
The SH-15 is powered by a 400-horsepower diesel engine with a power-to-weight ratio of 15.68 horsepower per tonne and can fire standard NATO-compatible ammunition ranging from 30 to 40 km.
While the maximum range of the howitzer depends on the projectile combination, NORINCO has reportedly said that the SH-15 has a maximum range of 50km when firing its high-explosive extended-range full-bore base-bleed rocket-assisted (HE-ERFB-BB-RA) projectile, Janes has said.
The artillery system also has an automatic fire-control system and hydraulic stabilising spades that allow forces to quickly deploy, fire up to six rounds per 60 seconds and switch positions before the enemy can respond with counter measures, India Today reported.
This is being seen as an indication of deepening defence ties between China and Pakistan.
The relationship between Beijing and Islamabad is “unique, time-tested, and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges”, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir had said recently at an event in Rawalpindi.
China’s ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, its defence attache, Major General Wang Zhong, and other officials from the Chinese mission were in attendance at the event, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations said.
After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had boasted the capabilities of the Chinese weapon system in its armoury, claiming it performed “exceptionally well” in the clashes with India.
According to estimates, nearly 60-65% of Pakistan’s military hardware is of Chinese origin.
