Philippines bolsters its defense capabilities with new Israeli-made ATMOS 155mm howitzers.

According to information published by the Philippine News Agency, on April 25, 2023, the Philippine Army (PA) has recently deployed two new Israeli-made Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS) 155mm self-propelled guns with the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, aiming to strengthen its ability to neutralize internal threats.
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Philippine army takes delivery of two new Israeli-made ATMOS 155mm truck-mounted self-propelled howitzers. (Picture source Philippine Army)

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, Philippine Army Spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad emphasized that the newly deployed weapons would enhance internal security operations and contribute significantly to dismantling the Communist Terrorist Group in Western and Central Visayas, as echoed by 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison.

On April 23, the two ATMOS 155mm self-propelled guns were delivered to the 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Jamindan. These weapons boast a maximum range of 41 kilometers, depending on the ammunition used, and have a target precision of 10 to 50 kilometers.

The PA acquired a total of 12 units of these self-propelled guns from Israeli defense company Elbit Systems in December 2021, under the Horizon 2 of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Plan, at a cost of PHP2.4 billion.

Trinidad highlighted that the ATMOS 155mm self-propelled guns can be easily deployed in rugged terrain, as they are truck-mounted and not towed. They feature an inertial navigation system-based gun-laying method, an automatic loader, and a maximum range of 41 kilometers, depending on the ammunition used. The new weaponry will complement the existing 155mm towed howitzers operated by the Army Artillery Regiment.