Army gets tank gunnery simulator
MANILA, Philippines — In anticipation of the arrival of its newly procured fleet of light tanks, the Philippine Army has acquired a tank gunnery simulator to prepare and hone the skills of its troopers.
The tank gunnery simulation system was delivered over the weekend to the Army’s Armor Division headquarters in Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.
Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said that the simulator system will have to undergo technical inspection before it is formally accepted and officially put to use.
According to Trinidad, “The technical inspection and acceptance committee needs to convene and have the schedule [of inspection]. This is to check that what has been specified in the order [was] delivered accordingly.” It is only after the final technical inspection that a decision to accept a delivered item is made.
Delays in inspection
But the Army spokesperson said that the final checks on the simulator may be delayed. “We have a lot [of assets] for technical inspection and with the current health situation (COVID-19 pandemic), it could cause some challenges.”
The equipment to be inspected include 12 recently acquired Atmos 155 millimeter self-propelled howitzers and 15 M125A2 armored mortar carriers equipped with 120mm mounted mortar systems, all made by the Israeli defense contractor Elbit.
Article continues after this advertisement“The tank gunnery simulation system is part of the first list on the Horizon 2 of the [Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program],” Trinidad pointed out.
Article continues after this advertisementHe added, “The tank gunnery simulator would enhance the skills and capabilities of our Army personnel in the performance of their given tasks or unit missions.”
The simulator, purchased for about P36 million from the joint venture of Singapore-based Wolfberry Asia and Indonesia-based PT Indocertes, is expected to provide training for the Army’s tank crews in the use of 105mm guns.
The Army is anticipating the delivery within the year of 20 units of Sabrah ASCOD light tanks from Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Land and another 10 Sabrah PANDUR II light tanks in 2023. The light tanks, equipped with 105mm cannons, were acquired for P9.4 billion through a government-to-government deal with Israel.
The new tanks will be placed under the Armor Division’s 1st Tank Battalion, which will be activated as the Army’s first modern light tank fleet.
