We have dedicated threads for Pakistan Army Infantry Div's, Armoured Div's and Mechanized Div's. Here I have created one for Artillery Div's.
Raising history: Large-scale exercises code-named Zarb-e-Momin (1989) conducted by Pakistan Army in response to Operation Brasstacks helped develop its offensive-defense strategy or Doctrine of the Riposte. Assessments completed after the exercise noted that for the Strike Corps to make a significant breakthrough in the north, Artillery concentrations with adequate logistics were essential. This led to the raising of 2 Artillery Division in the 1990s, subordinate HQ 1 Strike Corps.
In the south, 21 Artillery Division came into existence in the late 2000's. This was placed under HQ 5 Corps and tasked to repel enemy offensives with massive artillery firepower.
Current chain of command: Currently, 2 and 21 Artillery Divisions are subordinate to Central and Southern command respectively with the regional command HQ at liberty to assign the formation to any corps - strike and/or holding. The Div's GOC is a two-star general from Arty.
Structure: In PA, Artillery Divisions have a three brigade structure as summarized below:
1st Artillery Brigade: 1x Heavy Regiment (203mm towed) + 2x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed) + 1x Field Regiment (122/105mm towed)
2nd Artillery Brigade: 3x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed) + 1x Field Regiment (122/105mm towed)
3rd Artillery Brigade: 2x SP Heavy Regiment (203mm SP) + 1x SP Medium Regiment (155mm SP) + 1x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed)
Side note: As may be required, the 3rd Artillery Brigade (being SP mostly) can be detached from the Arty Division and used to support Strike Corps operations.
M110A2 203mm self-propelled howitzer with insignia of 21 Artillery Division during Pakistan Day Parade
In addition to 3x Artillery Brigades, there is the divisional artillery component directly under GOC consisting of:
The Arty division also includes support units like Signals, Engineers, Supply & Transport, Medical, EME, Ordnance, MP, etc.
Involvement in War on Terror: Units and brigades from Artillery Divisions have actively fought in War on Terror in KPK incl. ex-FATA. Some may be surprised to know that even SP Medium Regiments with M109s have served terms on the western border.
Pakistan Army Artillery - striving to be true to its motto of Izzat-O-Iqbal
by: Gryphon
Corrections, if any, are appreciated.
Raising history: Large-scale exercises code-named Zarb-e-Momin (1989) conducted by Pakistan Army in response to Operation Brasstacks helped develop its offensive-defense strategy or Doctrine of the Riposte. Assessments completed after the exercise noted that for the Strike Corps to make a significant breakthrough in the north, Artillery concentrations with adequate logistics were essential. This led to the raising of 2 Artillery Division in the 1990s, subordinate HQ 1 Strike Corps.
In the south, 21 Artillery Division came into existence in the late 2000's. This was placed under HQ 5 Corps and tasked to repel enemy offensives with massive artillery firepower.
Current chain of command: Currently, 2 and 21 Artillery Divisions are subordinate to Central and Southern command respectively with the regional command HQ at liberty to assign the formation to any corps - strike and/or holding. The Div's GOC is a two-star general from Arty.
Structure: In PA, Artillery Divisions have a three brigade structure as summarized below:
1st Artillery Brigade: 1x Heavy Regiment (203mm towed) + 2x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed) + 1x Field Regiment (122/105mm towed)
2nd Artillery Brigade: 3x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed) + 1x Field Regiment (122/105mm towed)
3rd Artillery Brigade: 2x SP Heavy Regiment (203mm SP) + 1x SP Medium Regiment (155mm SP) + 1x Medium Regiment (155/130mm towed)
Side note: As may be required, the 3rd Artillery Brigade (being SP mostly) can be detached from the Arty Division and used to support Strike Corps operations.
M110A2 203mm self-propelled howitzer with insignia of 21 Artillery Division during Pakistan Day Parade
In addition to 3x Artillery Brigades, there is the divisional artillery component directly under GOC consisting of:
- 1x MLRS Regiment (300mm A-100)
- 1x MBRL Regiment (122mm KRL 122)
- 1 x Locating Regiment (SLC-2 radars and UAVs)
The Arty division also includes support units like Signals, Engineers, Supply & Transport, Medical, EME, Ordnance, MP, etc.
Involvement in War on Terror: Units and brigades from Artillery Divisions have actively fought in War on Terror in KPK incl. ex-FATA. Some may be surprised to know that even SP Medium Regiments with M109s have served terms on the western border.
Pakistan Army Artillery - striving to be true to its motto of Izzat-O-Iqbal
by: Gryphon
Corrections, if any, are appreciated.