Philippines to receive 20 Israeli light tanks, personnel carriers

The Philippine military has announced that it is receiving Sabrah Ascod light tanks and Pandur II armored personnel carriers (APCs) from Israel this month in an ongoing modernization program.

The 20 Israeli armored vehicles include 105mm guns, 105mm cannons, and automated 120-mm carrier mortars.

According to Armor Division chief of staff Col. Anthon Abrina, the new ground vehicles are “real tanks” compared to the country’s present armored vehicles, equipped only with low-caliber firearms.

“Those that are arriving will be the first light tanks for the whole Armed Forces because its deployment would be more [centered] on territorial defense,” Abrina told. “The current inventory of APCs are for internal security operations.”