India-Pakistan LoC Conflict: A Look at the Weapons Fueling Kashmir’s Crisis

This report examines the latest developments along the LoC, exploring the specific weapon systems deployed by both militaries, the nature of the engagements, and the resulting human toll. In doing so, we seek to provide an in-depth understanding of a conflict that is far more than a territorial dispute; it is a high-stakes arms race played out against the backdrop of civilian suffering.

At the heart of recent border skirmishes is a phenomenon known as post-to-post firing. This term describes direct exchanges between fortified military outposts established along the LoC. These posts, often manned round the clock by soldiers stationed in heavily fortified bunkers, serve dual roles—both as observation points and as platforms for launching offensive operations. Although routine in nature, these engagements are far from benign.

Triggers for post-to-post firing include infiltration attempts, ceasefire violations, or isolated militant activity within the sensitive border zone. Despite efforts to contain these skirmishes as “controlled but calibrated warfare,” the reality is that the rapid exchange of small arms, mortars, and high-calibre artillery invariably leads to collateral damage.

Despite both the Indian and Pakistani militaries keeping operational details shrouded in secrecy, a synthesis of open-source intelligence, defence briefings, and independent eyewitness accounts has provided a glimpse into the formidable arsenals deployed along the LoC. This analysis breaks down the key categories of weapon systems in use, revealing how each contributes to the intensity of these post-to-post engagements.

India:

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• INSAS Rifle (5.56×45mm NATO): Once the backbone of the infantry, this rifle is still in use in forward areas despite plans for phased withdrawal.
• AK-203 Assault Rifles: A newer addition, these Russian-designed weapons are praised for their reliability in challenging conditions.
• FN MAG LMGs: Belgian-designed and known for their sustained-performance in prolonged firefights, these light machine guns are a common sight in bunkers and pillboxes.

Pakistan:

• G3 Rifle (7.62×51mm NATO): Renowned for its long-range accuracy, the G3 remains a trusted tool for Pakistani forces.
• Heckler & Koch MG3 LMGs: Offering an exceptionally high rate of fire, the MG3 is pivotal in suppressive operations against enemy posts.
• Type 56 Assault Rifle: A variant of the widely used AK series, this Chinese-built rifle is a standard issue in both the Pakistani Army and affiliated paramilitary units.

Use Case: Small arms dominate the short, intense bursts of violence—typically in response to sudden infiltration alerts or during sniper counteraction, especially under the cover of darkness.

India:

• Dragunov SVD: A semi-automatic sniper rifle designed for medium-range targeting, this system is often deployed against enemy observation posts.
• Beretta .338 Lapua Magnum (Scorpio TGT): This high-calibre precision weapon is reserved for long-distance neutralisation of high-value targets.
• Barrett M95: Although used selectively, it remains a preferred choice for eliminating key enemy positions.

Pakistan:

• PSR-90: A local adaptation of the H&K PSG1, renowned for its precision at ranges of up to 800 metres.
• Steyr SSG 69: An Austrian bolt-action rifle used by elite Pakistani sniper teams.
• Barrett M82: Favorited in high-intensity exchanges, particularly when engaging fortified targets across the LoC.

Use Case: Sniper duels are now a highly tactical affair. These specialist marksmen engage in “shoot-to-disable” operations, aiming not to inflict mass casualties but to incapacitate enemy posts and communications systems.

India:

• 81mm and 120mm Mortars: These are integral for delivering high-angle indirect fire, a crucial component in responding to enemy movements.
• 130mm M-46 Field Guns: Remnants of Soviet-era artillery, these guns are integral to suppressive fire tactics.
• 105mm Indian Field Gun (IFG): Favoured for its mobility in mountainous terrain.
• 155mm Bofors Howitzer: Known for its precision strikes over distances exceeding 30 kilometres, used in escalatory phases.

Pakistan:

• 81mm and 120mm Mortars: Similar to India, covering short-range suppression needs.
• 130mm and 155mm Guns: A mix of weapons with origins in Chinese and Soviet designs, employed in both direct and indirect fire roles.
• M198 Howitzer (155mm): Although used sparingly, this American-sourced system is deployed during high-intensity operations.

Use Case: Mortars and artillery are primarily engaged in area denial—retaliatory strikes following ceasefire violations or to repel infiltration attempts. However, the indiscriminate nature of explosive ordnance is a chief cause of civilian casualties in nearby settlements.

India:

• Nag ATGM: An indigenous system that offers a fire-and-forget capability, typically mounted on vehicles.
• Spike ATGM: An Israeli-origin precision system used in limited numbers, providing a tactical edge in targeting fortified positions.
• Carl Gustaf Recoilless Rifles: Deployed in bunker-busting roles or to counter enemy snipers.

Pakistan:

• Baktar-Shikan (Chinese HJ-8): A versatile ATGM that can be deployed on both vehicles and tripods, commonly used to neutralise enemy bunkers.
• RPG-7 and RPG-29: Portable, shoulder-fired grenade launchers that are an ever-present component of ambush tactics.

Use Case: These systems are repurposed to breach the defensive perimeters of enemy bunkers and supply depots, underscoring the shift from conventional to asymmetrical warfare along the LoC.

India:

• Heron UAV: An Israeli-made platform used for reconnaissance and post-strike damage evaluation.
• Switch Tactical Drone: Domestically produced, this drone provides vital real-time tactical data.

Pakistan:

• Burraq UCAV: Capable not only of surveillance but also of delivering missile strikes with precision.
• Chinese-Origin Surveillance Drones: Widely used in hot zones such as the Neelum Valley, these systems enhance operational situational awareness.

Use Case: With the evolution of modern warfare, drones have become indispensable, monitoring enemy movements and helping to calibrate the focus of precision fire, thereby reducing unintended collateral damage.

While the hardware deployed is formidable, the context in which it is used provides critical insight into the current state of the conflict. The LoC is not simply a static border; it is a dynamic battlefield where geographical features, climate, and human presence all shape the contours of military engagements.

Both India and Pakistan have established an extensive network of forward observation posts along the LoC. Known as “Advanced Tactical Positions” by India and “Mujahida Posts” by Pakistan, these outposts form an intricate grid of surveillance and rapid-response nodes. Perched atop ridges and concealed within forested areas, these posts continuously monitor enemy movements. Equipped with thermal imagers, night vision devices, and encrypted communication links, the outposts enable near-instantaneous coordination of retaliatory strikes.

In an environment where every shot may trigger a large-scale reprisal, engagements are often meticulously calculated. The prevailing doctrine emphasises proportionality and rapid escalation control; however, the very nature of these “routine” exchanges means that even controlled firing can lead to significant collateral damage. Recent shelling in areas such as Poonch, Rajouri, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad has inflicted deep wounds on civilian life—even as both militaries maintain that the exchanges are a measured response to provocations.

One focal point of contention along the LoC is the issue of infiltration. Both sides routinely accuse each other of allowing militant groups to cross the border under the cover of darkness. The rugged terrain—characterised by narrow valleys, dense forests, and treacherous mountain passes—offers ample routes for such incursions. Consequently, the military has invested heavily in counter-infiltration measures, deploying tripwire mines, establishing ambush patrols, and bolstering perimeter surveillance with state-of-the-art radar systems.

Modern warfare extends far beyond the physical; it is also fought in the realm of information. Along the LoC, both sides have deployed electronic warfare (EW) capabilities to jam enemy communications and intercept transmissions. Loudspeaker systems and radio broadcasts, laden with propaganda, are employed to demoralise opposing troops and influence local perceptions. This digital contest for control over the narrative not only shapes immediate tactical outcomes but also sows the seeds for long-term instability.

Every military engagement along the LoC comes at a human cost. The population residing within a 3–5 kilometre radius of these volatile posts lives under a constant spectre of shelling and sniper fire. In towns like Rajouri and Haveli, every evening’s shell burst disrupts local life, instils pervasive fear, and leaves lasting psychological scars. Displacement, loss of property, and a breakdown of community life are common outcomes. Reports from humanitarian agencies indicate that over 80% of injuries during ceasefire violations are a result of shrapnel from heavy ordnance rather than direct bullet wounds.

In one striking account, locals described how a child awoke to the thundering sound of artillery—a night of chaos marking the beginning of another day filled with uncertainty. Such testimonies underline a tragic truth: the LoC, far beyond being a mere line on a map, is where normal life is permanently overshadowed by the spectre of conflict.

Recent exchanges have prompted serious concern among military analysts. While both India and Pakistan continue to assert that their actions are measured responses to specific provocations, the increasing sophistication and variety of weaponry suggest that an arms race is underway. With heavy mortars and advanced ATGMs now a regular feature in post-to-post engagements, the risk of an uncontrolled spiral into full-scale warfare looms large.

In the wake of this re-escalation, diplomatic channels have been activated, albeit with limited success. International mediators, including officials from the United Nations and independent conflict resolution bodies, have urged both nations to establish “no-shell zones” in civilian areas and to restrain from deploying heavy artillery near inhabited regions. However, entrenched national pride and longstanding mistrust continue to undermine these efforts.

Recent statements by military experts and politicians have stressed the urgent need for renewed confidence-building measures. The current situation underscores the paradox of modern warfare: even as both sides tout their technological advancements and strategic acumen, the human and economic costs persist unabated.

Kashmir has long been a linchpin in South Asia’s security architecture. As the world moves towards an era of digital and hybrid conflicts, the lessons learned along the LoC hold significant implications. The integration of advanced weaponry, electronic warfare, and real-time surveillance reshapes not only how conflicts are fought but also how they are perceived globally. For independent international news websites, the challenge is to present these multilayered realities in a manner that is both insightful and balanced—ensuring that the voices of those caught in the crossfire are not lost amid grand strategic narratives.

In the end, the ongoing post-to-post exchanges along the LoC are more than just a series of isolated military incidents. They are the visible manifestations of an evolving conflict where state-of-the-art weaponry meets age-old grievances—a conflict that is continuously redefining the boundaries between conventional and asymmetrical warfare. For the people of Kashmir, the human cost is incalculable. The resilience of communities living under constant threat stands in stark contrast to the relentless escalation of military hardware and tactical maneuvers.

Until diplomatic channels are successfully reactivated and sustained dialogue takes precedence over aggressive posturing, the fragile peace along the LoC remains precarious. As international observers and independent journalists continue to document these developments, the hope is that enhanced scrutiny and greater political will can eventually usher in a new era—one where military might no longer dictates the terms of everyday life for the millions living in the shadow of the conflict.

For now, the people of Kashmir await a decisive turning point, hoping that the next chapter in their history will be defined not by the clamor of artillery but by efforts toward genuine reconciliation and lasting peace.