US and Philippines Conduct Joint Artillery Exercise with Israeli ATMOS Self-Propelled Howitzer.

Soldiers from the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment, alongside American military personnel, participated in the annual Balikatan 24 exercise at the La Paz Sand Dunes on May 8, 2024. The exercise showcased precision firing of the ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer, highlighting the advanced artillery capabilities developed and shared between the two allied forces.
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Philippine Army soldiers assigned to the Philippine Army Artillery Regiment fire the ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer. (Picture source: US DoD)

BK 24 is part of a series of military engagements aimed at improving the interoperability and operational readiness of the Philippine and American armed forces. This exercise not only serves as a platform for tactical training but also strengthens the longstanding partnership and mutual trust that have characterized the defense relations between the Philippines and the United States for decades.

The event was documented by Sergeant Cameron Hermanet of the U.S. Marine Corps, who captured the action as the artillery units demonstrated their proficiency in handling the sophisticated weapon system. The ATMOS 155mm howitzer, known for its precision and mobility, played a central role in the exercise, providing both forces with invaluable practical experience.

This year's exercise focused on rapid deployment and precision in artillery operations, with both nations benefiting from the exchange of techniques and operational strategies. "Exercises like BK 24 are essential for maintaining a high level of readiness and cooperation between our forces," said a senior officer from the Philippine Army. "They allow us to refine our skills and improve our joint capabilities in a controlled, yet realistic environment."

The BK 24 exercise is expected to have lasting impacts on the tactical and strategic levels of both armies, ensuring that the forces remain ready to jointly address any regional challenges that may arise, thereby contributing to regional stability and security.

The ATMOS 2000, developed and produced by Elbit Systems in Israel in 2001, is a truck-mounted, wheel-based self-propelled howitzer system. It can operate with a crew of 2 to 6 people, demonstrating its versatility across various operational contexts. The system offers a weapon traverse of 25 degrees to both the left and right and can elevate up to +70 degrees, providing exceptional agility and targeting accuracy.

This howitzer measures 9.5 meters in length and weighs 23,000 kg in its 52-caliber version, combining significant firepower with substantial mobility. This has made the ATMOS 2000 a popular choice among military forces worldwide, with countries such as Azerbaijan, Botswana, Denmark, Cameroon, Colombia, the Philippines, Thailand, Uganda, and Zambia adopting it.

In the Philippines, the introduction of the ATMOS 2000 to the military began with the signing of a $47 million contract in 2020 with Elbit Systems for twelve units. These were delivered in December 2021 to the Philippine Army's 10th Field Artillery Battalion, also known as "Rolling Thunder," which was activated in June 2022. The units are organized into three batteries, each equipped with four guns, and the induction ceremony was presided over by Secretary José C. Faustino Jr at Fort Bonifacio on September 21.

The procurement process began following a Post Qualification Inspection in December 2019, with contract negotiations concluding in January 2020. The purchase, totaling 2.386 billion PHP, was facilitated through an intergovernmental agreement between the Department of National Defense of the Philippines and the Defense International Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The ATMOS 155mm units for the Philippine Army are mounted on truck platforms provided by Germany's MAN, chosen for their extensive service support network in the country.