SPIN BOLDAK, Afghanistan - Some heavy artillery has arrived in this southern border town to lend support to Canadian soldiers on patrol.

Two Canadian M777 Howitzer cannons made a dramatic arrival by helicopter at the forward operating base just six kilometres from the Pakistan border.

A pair of Chinook helicopters thundered into view over the horizon, the guns dangling below, before dropping their cargo off in the desert.

Soldiers from the 2nd Royal Canadian Horse Artillery were on hand to secure the cannons and tow them into the base.

Over the past three days, the base at Spin Boldak -- all but abandoned when Canadians began arriving on Saturday -- has turned into a hive of activity.

Master Warrant Officer Bill Richards of the Royal Canadian Dragoons says it's nice to have more boots on the ground as the Canadians prepare for their patrols in the area.