The reactivated tank battalion will support ground operations. In picture, Philippine Army (PA) vehicles. Credit: Rhk111/ commons.wikimedia.org.
The Philippine Army (PA) has reactivated the Armor Division’s 1st Tank Battalion in a bid to further strengthen its capabilities amid evolving security threats, reported the Philippine News Agency.
The first tank battalion was officially activated in September 1958, but it was then deactivated in 1961 due to high maintenance costs.
The reactivated tank battalion at Camp O’Donnell, in Capas, Tarlac, will support ground operations.
It will be equipped with assets such as 18 Sabrah ASCOD light tanks, ten Pandur 8×8 wheeled light tanks, a tank gunnery simulator, a command vehicle, and a recovery vehicle.
The Philippine Army expects to receive the Sabrah ASCOD light tanks this year while the Pandur tanks are scheduled to be delivered in 2023.