New Delhi: India has said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests after reports claimed Pakistan has deployed nearly 250 Chinese made SH 15 self propelled howitzers in military formations facing the Indian border.
Responding to questions during the Ministry of External Affairs weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s firm position on cross border terrorism, stating that the country remains vigilant and fully prepared to defend its security interests.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Jaiswal said India’s response to cross border terrorism had already demonstrated its determination. He stressed that India expects cross border terrorism to stop and would continue to act decisively whenever required to protect the nation’s interests.
The remarks followed reports that Pakistan has inducted around 250 SH 15 155 mm and 52 calibre wheeled self propelled artillery guns as part of its military modernisation programme. Pakistan ordered 236 of these systems from Chinese defence manufacturer Norinco in 2019, with deliveries beginning in 2022 and continuing through 2023. The agreement also includes technology transfer to manufacture the artillery systems domestically at Heavy Industries Taxila.
Known in China as the PCL 181, the SH 15 can fire a range of ammunition, including rocket assisted projectiles capable of striking targets beyond 50 kilometres. Reports suggest the guns have been deployed in sectors opposite India, including Gujranwala, Sialkot and Jalalpur Jattan near the Shakargarh Bulge.
During the briefing, India also criticised the recently conducted local elections in Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, describing the exercise as lacking credibility. The MEA alleged that public protests and civilian casualties in the region reflected growing unrest and urged the international community to hold Pakistan accountable.
On reports regarding claims made by members of the Pakistan based Lashkar e Taiba, Jaiswal reiterated India’s long standing demand for decisive action against cross border terrorism and called on Pakistan to dismantle terrorist infrastructure operating from its territory.
Meanwhile, India continues to strengthen its own artillery capabilities under the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan. The Indian Army has inducted advanced systems such as the M777 ultra light howitzer, K 9 Vajra self propelled gun and the indigenous Dhanush artillery gun. It has also ordered 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems and is developing a wheeled Mounted Gun System based on the ATAGS platform, which is currently undergoing advanced trials.
