Philippines formally inducts first batch of new ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks, Guarani 6x6 APCs
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| 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
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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March 08, 2024
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