Pakistan is all set to get 2nd batch of SH-15 wheeled self-propelled howitzer (SPH) based on a Shaanxi 6×6 truck artillery guns from China.  According to Janes Defense Intelligence, In 2019, Pakistan signed a contract with China for the acquisition of 236 SH-15 howitzers. This is expected to significantly enhance Pakistan’s existing artillery force, as the SH-15 is one of the most advanced howitzers in service with the Chinese military. The SH-15’s long range and high accuracy make it a valuable asset in both defensive and offensive operations, and its automated loading system and digital fire control system allow for quick and efficient firing. The acquisition of the SH-15 is part of Pakistan’s broader effort to modernize its military and improve its defensive capabilities.

SH-15 was inducted in Pakistan Army corps of artillery during March 2022 and first public appearance was made during the Pakistan Day Parade 2022. Reportedly, Pakistan is going to get 56 guns in 2nd batch while the total deal with China is for 236 guns including ToT.

آرمی چیف جنرل قمر جاوید باجوہ کا دورہ لاہور ۔آرمی چیف کی کور آف آرٹلری میں SH-15 آرٹلری گنز کی شمولیت کی تقریب میں شرکت۔آرمی چیف کا مستقبل میں جنگ کے چیلنجوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے اس جدید ترین ہتھیاروں کے نظام کی شمولیت پر اظہار اطمینان pic.twitter.com/0Y4nzxLEFi

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) March 15, 2022

The SH-15 is a 155mm caliber howitzer artillery gun developed by China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO). It is a high-tech and highly automated gun with a range of 50+ km, capable of firing various types of ammunition, including laser-guided and satellite-guided shells. it is a modified ordnance of an AH-2 155 mm/L52 howitzer.

The development of the SH-15 began in the early 2000s and was completed in 2014. It is the most advanced howitzer in service with the Chinese military and is used by both the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese Marine Corps. In Chinese military the weapon system is known as PCL-181 or  炮车榴弹炮; pinyin: Pào Chē Liúdànpào; lit. ‘Gun Vehicle Howitzer.

The SH-15 is fitted with a computerized fire control system, navigation, positioning and targeting systems. Vehicle receives target information from artillery command vehicle.

The SH-15 is based on the design of the PLZ-45, a previous generation of howitzer developed by NORINCO. However, the SH-15 features significant improvements in range, accuracy, and automation. It is equipped with a fully automated loading system, which can load shells at a rate of 8-10 rounds per minute, and a digital fire control system, which can calculate firing solutions in seconds. The gun can also fire laser-guided munition which is capable of all-weather operation.

The SH-15 has seen action in the China-India border tensions in 2020, where it was deployed to the high-altitude region of Ladakh. Its long range and high accuracy were crucial in providing fire support to Chinese ground troops in the region.

The development of the SH-15 is part of China’s broader effort to modernize its military and develop advanced weapons systems. The gun represents a significant step forward in China’s artillery capabilities and is expected to remain in service for many years to come.

SH-15 is regarded as ‘Nuclear Capable’ howitzer by Indian media outlets like The Print according to which “And the significance (of SH-15) for India is that the system could be nuclear-capable, if Pakistan’s attempts to miniaturise nuclear weapons has been successful.”

News Desk