Philippines Receives More “Sabrah” Light Tanks from Israel.

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Neighboring country, the Philippines, is believed to have received the second batch of ASCOD 2 “Sabrah” light tanks developed by the Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems recently.

A defense blog from the neighboring country stated that the second batch, consisting of approximately nine Israeli-made light armored vehicles, had arrived at the Subic port for delivery to the Philippine Armed Forces.

 In June 2021, the Philippines and Israel signed a contract to acquire over 20 Sabrah light armored vehicles in two variants, tracked and wheeled, along with other support vehicles, with an estimated value of US$172 million (RM774 million).

 Israel is expected to deliver all of these light armored vehicles, in both variants, to the Philippines within three years.

The wheeled variant of the Sabrah light armored vehicle is based on the Pandur 8×8 IFV.

 

All the light armored vehicles received by the Philippines, whether wheeled or tracked, will be equipped with 105mm cannons manufactured by Elbit Systems and a Battle Management System from the Israeli company C4I Tadiran.

The Israeli defense company successfully won the contract for the Philippine military’s light armored vehicles, outcompeting other international defense companies.

 The Sabrah armored vehicles weigh approximately 30 tons and have modular features.

They are equipped with a 105mm cannon suitable for both the tracked and wheeled variants.

The Sabrah armored vehicles have armor protection up to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4 and can be integrated with an active defense system.

 

They are also equipped with the “Torch-X” Battle Management System developed by Elbit Systems.

In addition, these light armored vehicles have electro-optical systems, fire control systems, and various other electronic systems.

In recent years, the Philippines has become one of the primary markets for Israeli defense companies in Southeast Asia.

In addition to the Sabrah light armored vehicles, the Philippines also possesses several Israeli-made weapons systems, including the ATMOS 155mm mobile howitzer developed by Elbit Systems, the fast attack boat “Shaldag Mk V,” the Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone “Hermes,” and more.

Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Ilan Fluss, expressed that defense relations between Manila and Tel Aviv have deepened through the acquisition of various defense systems by the Philippines.

Fluss also expressed Israel’s desire to strengthen and deepen defense relations between the two countries, stating, “Israel has become a trusted and reliable partner for the Philippines, especially in the field of defense and security.”

Israel has also stationed its military advisors in the Philippines. –DSA

DEFENCE  SECURITY ASIA APPS

 

To advertise contact admin: [email protected]