Pakistan’s Can Fight Only 4-Day War Amid Ammo Crisis: Report
Pakistan’s military is facing a critical ammunition shortage, with reserves reportedly sufficient for just four days of high-intensity conflict, sources told ANI amid rising Indo-Pak tensions.
Pakistan’s armed forces are reeling under a severe shortage of artillery ammunition, casting doubts on their preparedness for sustained military operations. Sources quoted by ANI said the country’s warfighting capacity is capped at 96 hours due to low stockpiles of essential munitions.
This comes at a time when Pakistani leaders are warning of Indian retaliation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people. Despite public bravado, the operational reality paints a grim picture for the Pakistan Army.
Pakistan’s dwindling ammunition reserves are partly the result of recent arms transfers to Ukraine and alleged transactions involving Israeli entities, according to intelligence inputs. These transfers, especially of 155mm artillery shells and 122mm rockets, have left the military with dangerously low inventory.
The Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), responsible for producing key munitions, is reportedly struggling to meet demand due to outdated infrastructure and global supply bottlenecks.
The ammo crisis was reportedly a top concern at a Special Corps Commanders Conference held on May 2. Intelligence reports indicate that Pakistan has rushed to build ammunition depots near the India border, fearing imminent Indian military action.
Sources claim that Pakistani military brass is in a state of “panic” over the shortage and its potential strategic implications.
Pakistan’s military strategy typically relies on rapid mobilization to counter India’s numerical superiority. But without sufficient 155mm shells for its M109 howitzers or 122mm rockets for BM-21 Grad systems, the strategy could falter early in any conflict.
Social media posts from Pakistani defence analysts in April flagged the issue, noting the depletion of 155mm shell stocks due to exports.
Former Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had earlier acknowledged Pakistan’s limited economic and military capacity to engage India in a prolonged war. His remarks now seem increasingly relevant amid the current crisis.
While political rhetoric in Islamabad suggests readiness to counter India, ground-level military preparedness appears strained. As tensions simmer post-Pahalgam attack, Pakistan’s depleted ammunition stockpiles may prove to be a significant strategic vulnerability.
