Recent arms exports to Ukraine and domestic production issues have left Pakistan’s military with dangerously low artillery reserves, sparking alarm amid rising tensions with India.
Islamabad/New Delhi | May 4, 2025 —
Pakistan’s military is reportedly grappling with a critical shortage of artillery ammunition, reducing its ability to sustain high-intensity conflict to just 96 hours, according to a report by ANI quoting defense sources.
Also Read: After India’s Tough Port Ban, Pakistan Retaliates by Blocking Indian Ships
The shortfall stems primarily from Pakistan’s recent arms transfers to Ukraine, particularly large quantities of 155mm artillery shells — a backbone of its artillery-based combat strategy. These exports, driven by global demand and financial incentives, have significantly depleted the stock of ammunition for Pakistan’s M109 howitzers and BM-21 rocket systems.
Despite efforts by Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) to replenish supplies, limited manufacturing capacity and outdated infrastructure have hindered output. Officials cited by ANI said the issue was a major agenda item during a Special Corps Commanders Conference on May 2, with senior military leadership showing visible concern.
⚠️ Economic Strains Impacting Military Readiness
Pakistan’s economic challenges — including high inflation, mounting debt, and foreign exchange shortages — have already forced cuts to training, rations, and exercises, according to former Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa. The artillery crisis further highlights the growing disconnect between Pakistan’s strategic ambitions and its logistical reality.
Intelligence inputs suggest that Pakistan has been hurriedly building ammunition depots closer to the Indian border, but analysts argue that such moves are of limited value without stockpiles to sustain operations.
“Pakistan sailed its ammunition to distant wars, only to find itself stranded… The pursuit of short-term economic gain has inflicted a long-term strategic wound,” a senior defense analyst told ANI.
🔥 Tensions with India Escalate Post-Pahalgam Attack
The report coincides with heightened India-Pakistan tensions after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians — mostly tourists — were killed.
In response, India:
- Suspended the Indus Waters Treaty
- Closed the Wagah-Attari border
- Reduced High Commission staffing
- Revoked all Pakistani visas
- Banned Pakistani flights from Indian airspace
Meanwhile, Pakistan has test-launched its Abdali missile in what Indian officials described as a “provocative” move.
🏷️ Tags:
Pakistan army, artillery shortage, India Pakistan tensions, Pahalgam attack, arms exports to Ukraine, M109 howitzers, defense news, South Asia geopolitics, Pakistan military crisis, Indus Waters Treaty, missile tests,