This initiative aimed at personnel from the 1st Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Division of the Philippine Army (PA) and specialists from the Armored Vehicle Maintenance Battalion. The training curriculum was meticulously designed to cover operations, driving, and maintenance of the ASCOD tracked armored vehicle, benefitting 28 drivers and 15 commanders. Additionally, a second course focusing on 2nd echelon maintenance was delivered to 15 mechanics of the Philippine Army, further building on a preliminary driving course provided at GDELS’ factory in Alcalá de Guadaíra near Seville.
GDELS-SBS, in collaboration with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems, has supplied the Philippine Army with new combat vehicles from the ASCOD family. The SABRAH, a customized version of the ASCOD for the Philippine military, is renowned for its superior protection, mobility, and versatility in various combat scenarios. The delivery includes three variants: the Light Tank (LT105), a Command Post with a UT 25 unmanned turret, and a Recovery (ARV).
The reactivation of the First Tank Battalion by the Philippine Army in April 2022 underscores the country’s commitment to bolstering its military prowess. This move, as articulated by Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., is aimed at providing advanced firepower capability and enhanced protection standards for the infantry and mechanized infantry forces, particularly in executing contingency missions and combined arms and joint operations within the nation.
The Philippines now joins Spain (where it is known as PIZARRO), Austria (ULAN), and Great Britain (AJAX) as the fourth operator of the ASCOD vehicle, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities and strategic preparedness.
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