Army deploys Sabrah tanks in Tarlac exercise
CAPAS, TARLAC, Philippines — The Philippine Army boosted training at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Capas, Tarlac, on the 10 customizable Sabrah light tanks it acquired from Israel defense contractor Elbit Systems last year.
The Army took delivery of 10 Sabrah tanks last year, but it was the first time they were included in the Army’s ongoing Combined Arms Training Exercise, which started on March 3.
Col. Louie Dema-ala, Army spokesperson, said the exercise simulated wartime operations “to validate the Philippine Army’s combined arms brigade capability to rapidly project and sustain forces in line with the land defense concept.”
The brigade of Sabrah light tanks, all armed with 105-mm cannons, included a command vehicle. All 10 constituted half of the 20 tanks in the $172-million deal signed with Elbit Systems in 2022.
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Dema-ala said this year’s Army-wide exercise also focused on “command-and-control,” which is “a critical factor in external security operations and enhancing the Army’s capability for future interoperability exercises with the Navy and the Air Force.”
Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, the Philippine Army chief, earlier said training is vital in the organization” because it is only through training that we gauge and improve our capability to perform our mission.”
Combat readiness
“This exercise tests our combat readiness and demonstrates our adaptability and ability to execute complex, high-stakes operations with precision,” Galido said.
“We are confident the outcomes of this exercise will strengthen our command-and-control capabilities, further enhancing our preparedness to respond to any challenge that may threaten our national security,” he added.
The Army-wide exercise comes ahead of the “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) exercises this year between Filipino and American troops, which will start this April.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has said this year’s Balikatan would simulate a “full-scale” battle scenario.
