Before reaching the current stage of modern self-propelled howitzers, Automated Towed Howitzers, Fire Control Radar’s, Metrological and target acquisition Radar’s, and various types of ammunition (high Explosive, Anti-Tank, Guided Missiles, Rocket Artillery), the concept has come a long way being developed from trial and error throughout human history. There was a time when artillery regiments were unorganized as a sperate arm and used for laying sieges or defending fortress. Stepping on the road towards betterment and modernization, the newer reorganized artillery arms around the world got equipped with different caliber guns and sizes of shells such as Light, Medium, Heavy, Mountain and Field Artillery. This modernization included many new concepts such as Self-Propelled Howitzers and Multi Launch Rocket Systems, the division is based on combination of different factors such as size, mobility, range, caliber, size of shell, etc.
During military operations, the role of Artillery is to provide support to other fighting arms. This role mainly falls into two categories, either to suppress the enemy or to cause heavy damage and destruction. A good artillery backing is what a commander wishes for in the battlefield, subdivided into four main types known as Mortar’s, Howitzer, Self-Propelled Howitzer and Rocket Artillery.
Pakistan Army Artillery Corps is currently using various US, Chinese and European based Artillery systems such as M109A3, M109A5, M110A2 Self-Propelled Howitzers, M198, M115, M114, Panter Towed Howitzers, meanwhile the newer equipment also includes A100 and KRL122 Multi Launch Rocket System.
However, the latest system Pakistan Army is going for was a recently tested Guided Multi Launch Rocket System (G-MLRS) named as Fatah-1. The indigenously designed and developed weapon system developed by in-cooperation of Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) and NESCON can carry a conventional, high explosive warhead up to 140 Kilometers. The Weapon will provide the capability to strike with precision deep strikes behind enemy lines. It is also very cost-effective and efficient antidote to multi layered Air Defense Systems. It will soon be commissioned with in Pakistan Army Artillery Corps. As the name represents Fatah-1, we can expect its second and third version with the extended range up to 250 Kilometers.
ISPR has shared the video in which rocket can been seen fired from the launcher from an unidentified test range. The President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of Army Staff congratulated the scientists and participating troops for successful test flight.
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