Philippines formally orders Elbit ATMOS 155mm Self Propelled Howitzers

The Elbit ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer system. Photo c/o Elbit Systems.

The Philippines Department of National Defense (DND) has formally ordered the ATMOS 15mm Self-Propelled Howitzer system from Israel’s Elbit Systems, which would fill-in artillery requirements of the Philippine Army.

A Notice to Proceed was released by the DND in April 2020, although the contract was said to have been signed as early as January 2020. Delivery is expected to be completed within 2 years.

The Philippine Army has a requirement for an initial batch of at least 2 batteries worth of 155mm self-propelled howitzers under its Horizon 2 modernization phase. More units are expected in succeeding programs.

Elbit Systems has been offering the ATMOS 155mm/52 caliber Self-Propelled Howitzer system to the Philippine Army since 2013 and was selected under a Government-to-Government procurement process between the Philippines DND and Israeli Ministry of Defense.

The artillery system has a maximum range of around 40 kilometers, or more using specialized munitions, and has an rate of fire of around 8 rounds per minute. It also can fire its first round within 30 seconds from movement, of 6 rounds within 110 seconds from movement. It remains to be seen if the Philippine Army version will be using a 6x6 or 8x8 truck system.

The Elbit ATMOS system is in use with the Royal Thai Army,  Cameroonian Army, Azerbaijani Army, and was also selected for the Israeli Army, while the Polish Army is introducing a licensed copy called the AHS Kryl.


[1] MaxDefense Philippines – Philippine Defense Resource
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[3] Elbit Systems