China's Norinco delivers SH-15 howitzers to Pakistan

Norinco delivered 56 SH-15 155 mm/52 calibre wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) to the Pakistan Army. The picture shows at least 18 examples of SH-15 with an artillery brigade under the People's Liberation Army Ground Force's 83rd Group Army. (CCTV 7)

China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (Norinco) delivered the second batch of SH-15 155 mm/52 calibre wheeled self-propelled howitzer (SPH) based on a Shaanxi 6×6 truck to the Pakistan Army.

According to images posted on Chinese social media Weibo, Norinco is seen delivering the second batch of 56 SH-15 howitzers to Pakistan in a ceremony. The SH-15 is an export designation of the PCL-181 155 mm wheeled SPH produced by Norinco.

In 2019, Pakistan signed a contract with Norinco to deliver 236 SH-15s. The first batch was delivered in January 2022. The number of howitzers received in the first batch is not known.

On 23 March 2022, the Pakistan Army unveiled its SH-15 howitzer during the Pakistan Day parade held at the Shakarparian Parade Ground in Islamabad, the country's capital.

According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, the SH-15 weighs 22 tonnes and can attain a maximum speed of 90 km/h on road.

The SPH is armed with a 155 mm L52 howitzer provided with a digital fire-control system (FCS). In addition, the SH-15 features a semi-automatic loader.

According to Norinco, the SH-15 is capable of being deployed in a quick-reaction role in the high-plateau region. Norinco said the SH-15 can fire 4–6 rds/min and has a range of 53 km.