(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Philippine Army has conducted live ammunition firing exercises using the self-propelled howitzer (SPH) system “ATMOS” 155mm 52 cal acquired from the Israeli defense company, Elbit Systems Land.
The live ammunition firing exercises with the SPH ATMOS 155mm 52 cal system were part of the “Katihan” Combined Arms Training held at Camp O’Donnel recently.
The Philippines army began receiving these Israeli-made self-propelled howitzers at the end of 2021.
The acquisition of the SPH ATMOS 155mm/52cal system from the Israeli company, Elbit Systems Land, further strengthens the already close military ties between the Philippines and Israel.
The Philippines has signed an agreement with Israel to acquire between 12-15 wheeled self-propelled howitzers of the Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal variant under the Philippine military modernization program called Horizon 2, valued at RM211 million (US$47 million).
The Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal SPH system was developed by Elbit Systems Land’s subsidiary, Soltam Systems, a long-standing and reputable name in the production of artillery and mortar systems from Israel.
The Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal howitzer, with a total weight of 23,000kg, is capable of firing targets up to a range of 41km using Extended Range Full Bore Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectiles, while the Israeli-made SPH system can be operated by a crew of between four to six personnel (including two loaders).
In the case of the Philippines, the Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal SPH system uses MAN trucks, as these vehicles are readily available in the Philippines.
The first Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal SPH system of the Philippine Army was operated by the 10th Field Artillery Battalion, also dubbed “Rolling Thunder.”
The Thai Army also employs the Soltam ATMOS 155mm 39 cal SPH system.
Apart from the Philippine Army, the Soltam ATMOS 155mm 52 cal SPH system is also utilized by Azerbaijan, Botswana, Denmark, Cameroon, Colombia, Uganda, and Zambia.
Furthermore, the Philippine Army has acquired the “M113 Armored Mortar Carrier” vehicle utilizing the Soltam CARDOM recoil mortar system.
In 2019, the Philippines also signed an agreement with Elbit for the acquisition of 15 units of these mobile mortar systems, utilizing 120mm mortars.
The agreement for the mobile mortar systems also includes the acquisition of the Combat NG Battle Management System by Elbit, estimated at RM80 million.
The Philippine Armed Forces are among the major customers for Israeli defense systems in the Southeast Asian region, with all branches of its military employing various equipment developed by Israeli defense companies.
Israeli military advisors are actively engaged in providing training to Philippine military and security units, including specialized units of the country. — DSA