Philippine Army Deploys ATMOS Howitzers to 3rd Infantry Division
New artillery systems strengthen internal security operations against insurgent threats in Visayas
The Philippine Army (PA) has deployed two Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System (ATMOS) 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery units to its 3rd Infantry Division, based in Capiz province. The deployment is aimed at enhancing the division’s capability to neutralise the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Western and Central Visayas.
According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the two ATMOS units arrived at the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Jamindan municipality on 23 April. Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad stated that the new assets will “bolster the division’s capability in neutralising internal threats.” Division Commander Major General Marion Sison added that the systems will significantly contribute to dismantling the CTG in the region.
The PA first received its ATMOS units in December 2021, followed by a three-day live-firing exercise in April 2022. In September 2022, the system was deployed to the Army’s 10th Field Artillery “Rolling Thunder” Battalion, marking its operational entry.
The acquisition traces back to April 2020, when the Department of National Defense (DND) issued a Notice to Proceed to Elbit Systems under a USD47 million contract. The deal, signed through an inter-government agreement with Israel’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) and its International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT), covered the supply of 12 ATMOS howitzers. All units were delivered to the PA by December 2021.
Source: Janes & XAirForces News, 27 April 2023
Photo: The Philippine Army (PA) has deployed Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System (ATMOS), the example of which is pictured above, to the service’s 3rd Infantry Division based at Capiz province to neutralise the “Communist Terrorist Group”. (Photo by Soltam Systems)
Editor: Nooor Nilam Aryawan (Oceanian and Asian ©XAirForces News Editor from Indonesia)
Philippine Army Deploys ATMOS Howitzers to 3rd Infantry Division
