The Philippine Army has deployed 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”. (Soltam Systems)
The Philippine Army (PA) deployed two Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System (ATMOS) 155 mm/52 calibre self-propelled artillery units to the service's 3rd Infantry Division based at Capiz province.
According to state-owned Philippine News Agency (PNA), two ATMOS units arrived at the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Jamindan municipality on 23 April.
Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the deployment of these new weapons is aimed at “bolstering the division's capability in neutralising internal threats.
“These assets will bolster our internal security operations and will largely contribute to the dismantling of the CTG [Communist Terrorist Group] in Western and Central Visayas,” 3rd Infantry Division Commander Major General Marion Sison said.
The PA received the ATMOS units in December 2021 and conducted a three-day live-firing exercise from 6 to 8 April 2022.
In September 2022, the PA deployed its ATMOS to the service's 10th Field Artillery ‘Rolling Thunder' Battalion, marking the weapon system's entry into operational status.
The Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) issued a ‘Notice to Proceed' (NTP) to Elbit Systems for the ATMOS acquisition in April 2020. The contract was valued at about USD47 million, covering the supply and delivery of 12 howitzer units to the PA.
The contract was signed by the DND and the International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (MoD) under an inter-government agreement. All 12 howitzer units were delivered to the PA in December 2021.
According to Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery and Air Defence
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