The Pakistan Army has recently reequipped the 28th and 32nd Artillery Regiments under the IV Corps in Lahore with the freshly acquired Chinese SH-15 Self-Propelled (SP) howitzers, strengthening its artillery capability.
Operating under the 2nd Artillery Division, these regiments are essential to the defence of Punjab and the border areas of northern Rajasthan.
The rearmament programme is a component of Pakistan's larger plan to update its armed forces and increase their firepower.
Pakistan selected the state-of-the-art SH-15 self-propelled howitzer from China for its artillery modernization programme. Pakistan ordered 236 of these advanced artillery guns in 2019. The howitzer is a useful tool for both tactical and strategic operations because of its remarkable mobility, accuracy, and range.
The SH-15 howitzers were delivered in two stages. In January 2022, the first lot—42 guns—was delivered. During the Army Day Parade on March 22, the Pakistan Army proudly displayed these recently acquired assets, underscoring the country's dedication to keeping a strong and modern defence force.
The second batch of 56 guns was delivered in April 2023. This later supply was crucial to the rearmament effort since it provided the Pakistan Army with the means to outfit three artillery regiments with eighteen guns apiece.
By placing these advanced howitzers in vital strategic positions, Pakistan's artillery capabilities are further strengthened.
Strategically important, the rearming of the 28th and 32nd Artillery Regiments under the IV Corps strengthens Pakistan's defence position in the border areas with northern Rajasthan and Punjab.
The deployment of the SH-15 howitzers strengthens the Army's ability to effectively counter possible threats in these areas, which are crucial to the nation's overall security framework.
