Philippines formally inducts first batch of new ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, Guarani 6x6 APCs

 

Some of the Sabrah light tanks and new 6x6 APCs during the handover and induction ceremony last 05 March 2024. Photo c/o PIA Tarlac.

The Philippine Army (PA) formally received and inducted new armored vehicles  into its arsenal last 05 March 2024 as it continues to modernize its forces.

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV led the ceremonies together with executives from Israeli defense company  Elbit Systems, which delivered the armored vehicles as part of the Philippine Army’s Light Tank and Wheeled APC projects.

Among those inducted during ceremonies held at the Armor Division’s headquarters in Camp O’Donnell in Tarlac province were nine ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, an ASCOD 2 Command Post Vehicle, five VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 armored personnel carriers, and a tractor head truck.

Also held was the unveiling of markers on the division’s new Maintenance Yard for the VBTP-MR Guarani armored vehicles, a new mess hall and the new Armor Museum.

The new Sabrah light tanks are the first actual tanks in service with the Philippine Army for decades, as it retired its last M41 Bulldog light tanks in the 1980s. It was built by General Dynamics European Land Systems’ Spanish subsidiary Santa Barbara Sistermas and features Elbit Systems’ Sabrah light tank system which includes a 105mm tank gun and turret, command and control, communications, fire control and sighting systems from the Israeli company.

Meanwhile the VBTP-MR Guarani 6x6 wheeled armored personnel carriers were built by Italian company Iveco’s Brazilian subsidiary Iveco Latin America, and features Elbit-supplied equipment including a 12.7mm heavy machine gun mounted on an RCWS, command and control, communications, and other equipment. 

According to Filipino defense page MaxDefense Philippines, the Sabrah light tank and Guarani APCs were originally meant for the strategic 1st Brigade Combat Team’s attached armored component, and the Philippine Army is expected to order more armored vehicles to fill-up the armored components of the soon to be formed 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams. 

Brazilian defense page Technologia & Defesa also confirmed that the Philippines is negotiating for another batch of 28 Guarani 6x6 armored vehicles.

[1] Philippine Army   

[2] MaxDefense Philippines

[3] Technologia & Defesa

Indonesia receives new medium tanks, armored and tactical vehicles

 

Some of the 10 Harimau medium tanks prior to handover to the TNI-AD. Photo c/o PT Pindad.

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) received 52 new tactical vehicles manufactured by Indonesian defense company PT Pindad.

The vehicles were handed over by the Indonesian Ministry of Defence (MoD) to the Indonesian Army on 28 February 2024, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto witnessing the event at the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters in Jakarta.

Among those handed over to the Indonesian Army are 10 Harimau medium tanks, 3 Badak 6x6 fire support vehicles, 10 Pandur 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles, 12 Anoa 6x6 armored personnel carriers, 7 Komodo armored light tactical vehicles, and 10 Maung 4x4 utility vehicles.

These vehicles were all developed locally, mostly with international support, as part of Indonesia’s drive to have a self-sufficient defense industry.

The Harimau (Tiger) medium tank was developed with Turkey’s FNSS and is armed with a 105mm tank gun. The Pandur 8x8 wheeled IFV is a license copy of the Pandur 8x8 from Czech defense company Excalibur Army.

The Anoa 6x6 armored vehicle is said to be developed with assistance from France’s Renault based on the  Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé (VAB), while the Komodo was also developed with French assistance and is based on the Renault Sherpa light tactical vehicle.

The Badak 6x6 iwas also derived from the Anoa but with changes to allow mounting a 90mm gun turret, while the Maung is a  locally-developed 4x4 utility vehicle based on PT Pindad’s experience in military vehicle development, and using civilian off-the-shelf parts from either Toyota or Isuzu.

PT Pindad has been marketing these vehicles also for export, with the Harimau light tank competing in the Philippines for their light tank requirement, and has received interest from Bangladesh as well.

[1]  PT Pindad

[2] Portal Bandung Timur