The SH-15 is the export variant of the PCL-181 truck-mounted 155mm self-propelled howitzer. The SH-15 is based on a Shaanxi 6×6 truck chassis with an armored cabin. The SH-15 Howitzer has a 155mm 52-caliber howitzer that can fire a wide range of shells. Moreover, this howitzer is also equipped with a world-leading automatic fire control system (AFCS). The SH-15 PC has a full combat weight of 25 tons. This weight lies within the cargo capability of any medium-weight transport aircraft. Thus, these howitzers can be easily airlifted using PAF’s Il-78 strategic air lifters.
Platform Design and Purpose
The SH-15 was designed with a clear objective: combine the firepower of a full-sized 155mm system with the mobility and logistical simplicity of a tactical truck. The chassis allows long-distance travel on paved and unpaved roads without requiring heavy transporters, giving commanders more flexibility in both conventional and dispersed operations.
The protected crew cabin, automated gun-laying mechanisms, and digital instruments indicate that ease of operation and crew survivability were considered from the start. Its relatively low weight also allows air transport by medium military aircraft, an important factor for forces that frequently deploy to remote regions.
Technical Characteristics
The SH-15 carries a 155mm/52-caliber howitzer compatible with standard NATO ammunition. Its performance varies by ammunition type:
- 25–30 km with standard rounds
- 35–40 km using base-bleed shells
- Around 50–53 km with rocket-assisted projectiles
The fire-control system includes a ballistic computer, inertial navigation, satellite positioning, and automatic gun-laying. These features shorten the time between receiving a fire mission and delivering the first round.
Mobility is a major strength. The 6×6 truck can reach speeds close to 90 km/h on roads and has an operational range exceeding 600 km, enabling rapid repositioning and shoot-and-scoot tactics.
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Integration of Modern Technology
One of the system’s defining features is its compatibility with guided munitions, including laser-guided and satellite-guided projectiles. These expand its role beyond traditional area saturation to include precision engagements, counter-battery fire and missions requiring reduced collateral effects.
The gun crew benefits from automation that reduces manual work and speeds up the overall firing cycle. The system can deploy, fire and relocate within a short window—an advantage in environments where counter-battery radars are widely used.
This howitzer is based on a new Shaanxi military truck with an armored cabin. It accommodates a complete gun crew of 6 soldiers. The armor provides protection for the crew against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters.
Export and Operational Users
China fields a similar domestic version under the designation PCL-181. It has been widely deployed in regions such as Tibet, Xinjiang and China’s eastern coastal provinces.
Pakistan is the most prominent export customer. The Pakistan Army has inducted the SH-15 to modernize its long-range artillery inventory, replacing older systems and enhancing precision-strike options. The system’s long-range capability and mobility make it suitable for Pakistan’s varied terrain, from plains to semi-mountainous zones.
Several other countries in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa have evaluated the system, attracted mainly by its combination of capability and cost.
Operational Role in Contemporary Conflicts
The SH-15 fits into the growing global preference for wheeled artillery units capable of rapid deployment and decentralized operations. Its range and guided-munition compatibility position it well for:
• Counter-battery engagements
• Support for mechanized formations
• High-altitude missions
• Rapid-reaction and expeditionary deployments
Militaries are increasingly favoring systems that can disperse quickly, avoid detection and maintain high mobility. The SH-15 aligns with this trend.
Advantages and Limitations
Among its strengths are long-range firepower, high operational mobility, lower maintenance demands compared to tracked SPHs, and the ability to fire guided shells. The primary limitations include modest armor protection and reduced off-road capability in extremely soft terrain compared to tracked systems.
