Report Warns Pakistan's Artillery Can Sustain Only 4 Days of Combat Amid Ammunition Crisis

A new report warns that Pakistan's artillery reserves can support only four days of high-intensity warfare. The shortage is linked to recent ammunition exports to Ukraine. As tensions with India escalate post-Pahalgam attack, Pakistan faces strategic risks due to depleted stocks, outdated production, and deepening economic woes.

Pakistan's military is facing a severe shortage of artillery ammunition, with current reserves reportedly sufficient for only 96 hours of sustained combat, according to an ANI report citing defence sources. The alarming revelation comes amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 dead.

The shortage stems primarily from Pakistan’s recent arms exports to Ukraine, particularly 155mm artillery shells vital for its heavy firepower strategy. These exports, driven by attractive international contracts, have significantly drained domestic stockpiles, impacting key systems such as M109 howitzers and BM-21 rocket launchers.

Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), the country's chief arms producer, has reportedly failed to replenish reserves due to ageing production infrastructure and limited output capacity. Despite prioritizing domestic requirements, POF is unable to meet the military's demand, raising internal alarm. The issue was flagged as a top agenda item during a Special Corps Commanders Conference held on May 2.

Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had earlier cautioned about the military’s constrained capacity for prolonged conflict, citing both fiscal and logistical vulnerabilities. With Pakistan's economic crisis deepening — marked by inflation, debt, and fuel scarcity — the army has already suspended training and war games.

In a reactive move, Pakistan has begun constructing ammunition depots closer to the Indian border, but experts argue that without adequate stockpiles, these efforts are symbolic at best.

Also Read: India Responds Firmly to Pahalgam Attack as Global Calls for Restraint Grow

As India tightens economic and diplomatic pressure following the Pahalgam attack — including suspending water-sharing treaties and expelling Pakistani nationals — Pakistan’s weakened readiness adds a new layer of vulnerability to the regional standoff.