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Pakistan has deployed 250 Chinese-made SH-15 truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers along its border with India in a major boost to its artillery capabilities, top intelligence sources told India Today.
The 155mm/52-calibre artillery platform can fire standard Nato-compatible ammunition to ranges of around 30 to 40 kilometres. (Screengrab: X/@Kunal_Biswas707)
UPDATED: Aug 2, 2026 20:16 IST
In a big escalation of border militarisation, Pakistan has deployed 250 Chinese-made SH-15 truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers along its border with India in a major boost to its artillery capabilities, top intelligence sources told India Today. According to sources, the Pakistan Army has begun systematically positioning the 155mm artillery systems across key sectors along its eastern frontier with India, stretching from north to south.
The deployment marks one of Islamabad's most significant artillery reinforcements in recent years and comes as it continues efforts to modernise its armed forces following Operation Sindoor, India's tri-services counterterrorism operation in May 2025. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) and inside Pakistani territory using precision strikes.
SH-15 OFFERS LONG-RANGE, HIGH-MOBILITY FIREPOWER
The SH-15, manufactured by China's state-owned defence company NORINCO, is the export version of the People's Liberation Army's PCL-181 wheeled self-propelled howitzer. Mounted on a 6x6 armoured Shaanxi truck chassis, the system is designed for rapid deployment and high mobility, with road speeds of up to 90 kmph and the ability to quickly reposition across difficult terrain.
The 155mm/52-calibre artillery platform can fire standard Nato-compatible ammunition to ranges of around 30 to 40 kilometres, while rocket-assisted V-LAP projectiles can reportedly strike targets between 53 and 72 kilometres away. It is also equipped with an automated fire-control system and hydraulic stabilising spades that allow crews to quickly deploy, fire up to six rounds per minute and relocate before enemy counter-battery systems can respond.
According to defence sources, the induction of 250 SH-15 systems is sufficient to equip multiple artillery regiments, significantly strengthening Pakistan's long-range conventional strike capability.
CHINA-PAKISTAN DEFENCE TIES DEEPEN
The latest delivery also highlights the growing defence partnership between Islamabad and Beijing, which has expanded steadily over the past decade. Beyond arms transfers, China and Pakistan have increased joint military exercises aimed at improving interoperability, networked command-and-control capabilities and combined-arms operations.
On Saturday, Pakistan commemorated the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Speaking at the event, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, described the relationship between Pakistan and China as "unique, time-tested, and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges."
According to Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, China's Defence Attachw Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese Embassy and senior officers from Pakistan's Army, Navy and Air Force.
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Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Aug 2, 2026 20:16 IST
