Pakistan faces critical shortage of ammunition due to supply of shells to Ukraine

A critical shortage of ammunition threatens Pakistan's defence capability, as the stockpile would last only four days for a widespread war that could potentially begin in the coming weeks or months.

Here's What We Know

According to the ANI news agency, Pakistani military enterprises are currently unable to replenish ammunition stocks amid global demand and technical deterioration of production facilities. This poses a threat to the country's defence strategy, which relies on rapid mobilisation and active use of artillery in the event of a conflict with India.

Of particular note is the shortage of 155mm shells for M109 howitzers and 122mm ammunition for BM-21 systems. It should be explained that Pakistan has been secretly supplying Ukraine since 2022. By fiscal year 2022-23, arms exports from Pakistan had risen to $415 million, up from $13 million in fiscal year 2021-22.

"The 3,000 per cent growth and staggering profits came at a price - the rapid depletion of domestic stockpiles," the Indian Express reports.

Pakistan's military leadership is worried: it is estimated that current resources will last only 96 hours of active combat operations. Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has previously stated that the country is not ready for a prolonged conflict with India, either militarily or economically.

The deteriorating economic situation is further complicating the situation, with inflation and debt burden rising and foreign exchange reserves dwindling. Due to fuel shortages, the military has already been forced to reduce rations, cancel exercises and postpone planned exercises. Nevertheless, the Pakistani army continues to keep ammunition depots near the border with India in case of a sudden escalation.

Source: ANI