**Pakistan Faces Artillery Ammunition Shortage Amid Tensions with India**
In the wake of heightened tensions with India following the Pahalgam terror attack last month, the Pakistani military is grappling with a critical shortage of artillery ammunition. Reports indicate that the military’s warfighting capabilities could sustain operations for only four days, raising concerns about its readiness in the event of conflict.
The shortage of artillery ammunition is largely attributed to Pakistan’s recent arms deals with Ukraine and Israel, which have significantly depleted its war reserves. As fears of a regional conflict loom, the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), responsible for supplying the military, are struggling to replenish stocks due to increasing global demand and outdated production facilities.
Amid these challenges, several Pakistani leaders have expressed concerns that India may initiate military action in response to the Pahalgam incident. They assert that the armed forces are prepared to deliver a strong response to what they term “Indian aggression.” However, the reality is less optimistic. With dwindling supplies, Pakistan’s ammunition reserves are only sufficient for approximately 96 hours of high-intensity conflict, leaving the military in a precarious position.
Pakistan’s military strategy traditionally emphasizes rapid mobilization to counter India’s numerical superiority. However, the current shortage of 155mm shells for M109 howitzers and 122mm rockets for BM-21 systems undermines this approach. Reports from April suggested that a significant number of 155mm artillery shells were redirected to Ukraine, further exacerbating the situation.
Sources indicate that the Pakistani defense leadership is increasingly alarmed by the lack of essential ammunition, a topic that was prominently discussed during the Special Corps Commanders Conference on May 2. Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan has constructed ammunition depots near the India-Pakistan border in anticipation of a potential Indian strike.
Former Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has previously acknowledged the military’s challenges, noting that Pakistan lacks both the ammunition and economic resources necessary to effectively confront India in the event of a prolonged conflict.
As the situation develops, the implications of Pakistan’s ammunition shortage could have significant consequences for regional stability and military readiness.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the current state of Pakistan’s artillery ammunition reserves?**
A: Pakistan’s artillery ammunition reserves are critically low, with supplies sufficient for only about 96 hours of high-intensity conflict, raising concerns about military readiness amid rising tensions with India.
