Pakistan deploys large number of Chinese SH-15 guns along India border

Pakistan has recently bolstered its military defenses by deploying a significant number of Chinese-made SH-15 wheeled self-propelled artillery guns along its border with India. These 155mm 52 caliber guns, produced by Norinco corporation, were first ordered by Pakistan in 2019 and began arriving in 2022. A second batch was delivered in 2023, with the development process also including a license to manufacture the guns domestically at the Heavy Industries Taxila plant.

The primary focus of this artillery deployment is to enhance the firepower of Pakistani military units facing India, particularly in the northern Punjab region and occupied Kashmir. These guns are well-suited for the plains and hilly terrains in these areas, contrasting with the M-109 tracked self-propelled guns deployed by Pakistan in desert sectors opposite Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The acquisition of the SH-15 guns is part of a broader Artillery Modernization Program initiated by Pakistan in response to India's own modernization efforts. This strategic move, coupled with the establishment of a new Army Rocket Force, significantly strengthens Pakistan's non-contact kinetic capabilities in the conventional domain.

The combination of rockets, missiles, and long-range artillery positions Pakistan as a major security player in West Asia, with the potential for increased influence and export of the technology to other Islamic nations.

The SH-15 gun is the first 52-caliber artillery piece in Pakistan's arsenal, offering improved range and accuracy compared to other guns. With a 6X6 truck chassis, the gun can fire various types of shells, including rocket-assisted projectiles, achieving a range exceeding 50 kilometers. This development has prompted India to also standardize its artillery, with plans to upgun its artillery units to 155mm, currently focusing on the M777, K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and the domestically developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).