The Philippine Army (PA) will get a much-needed arms boost with the recent delivery of 12 units of Soltam 155mm/52 caliber self-propelled howitzers from Israeli firm Elbit Systems.
The weapons arrived last December 28 are now scheduled for technical inspection this month prior to their formal acceptance by the Army’s Artillery Regiment (AAR).
PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said “the 12 units are now with the AAR and scheduled for technical inspection by the TIAC (Technical Inspection Acceptance Committee) within this month prior (to) its formal acceptance.”
Trinidad said the 12 self-propelled howitzers were acquired “under a government-to-government setup under Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program to provide the AAR with “mobility with firepower.” The arms are worth P2.4 billion. They will augment the existing 155mm towed-howitzers being operated by the AAR.