It doesn’t have a fully automatic loading system (semi-automatic) and it lacks proper remote operating capabilities as PLA doesn’t consider them necessary for its doctrine. The other systems PA was testing had them and PA did seem to be wanting both of them. However in the basic attributes such as the Range, accuracy and mobility of the system, it is excellent. Even better than the others at times due to its lighter weight, it’s also cheaper due to the lack of the Aforementioned capabilities. It’ll be interesting to see if PA added them as it did with the VT-4 or bought the stock system.
At the time of the first trials however VT-4 hadn’t been inducted and Pantsir was still on the cards, now with the Chinese MBT in service and the Chinese SHORAD likely to come, it makes a lot more sense to buy the SH-15 due to its interoperability with the other systems. Plus the cheaper cost will mean we can get more of them.
Either way, it will be a good upgrade to PAs artillery capabilities if purchased, and if rumors are to be believed, there’s another system from the west coming too, The point about “remote operation capabilities” is important in that regard. The fully-automatic loader can be overlooked given how much bulkier it can make these guns.
Which system from the West is rumoured to be coming?