Capas: Major assets of the Philippine Army (PA), including its newly acquired Sabrah light tanks and ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzers, will participate in the live-fire phase of the Combined Training Exercise "Katihan" at Camp Edwin Rabina Air Base this Friday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala announced that the live-fire drills, scheduled for March 7, are part of "Battle Period 2" of the "Katihan" exercise, which runs from March 3 to 12. The exercise will feature the use of Sabrah light tanks, ATMOS 155 howitzers, and small arms.
Col. Dema-ala noted that this will be the first time the Sabrah light tanks, which are armed with 105mm guns, will be utilized in such a scenario. These tanks were acquired by the Philippine Army between 2023 and 2024 as a component of its modernization initiative. For safety and security reasons, the exact number of participating assets was not disclosed.
The live-fire drills aim to test the Philippine Army's capability to "prevent physical occupation of our land and to push back any potential adversaries," said Dema-ala. The exercise is designed to demonstrate enhanced capabilities in defending the territory through coordinated combined arms operations in realistic scenarios.
Furthermore, Dema-ala highlighted that the live-fire drills will exhibit the Philippine Army's readiness to repel territorial threats. The drills will feature synchronized ground units executing the Army's Land Defense Concept with precision and tactical proficiency.
