The Philippine Army had embarked on an ambitious project to modernize twelve of its aging Scorpion tanks, with a budget of $4.6 million. This project included replacing the gasoline engines with diesel engines to address the shortage of spare parts. This enhancement not only increased the reliability of the tanks but also made them more suitable for current operations, particularly in the conflict regions of Mindanao.
The “Arayat” is one of the few Scorpions to have survived a phase where many of its counterparts were declared out of service and cannibalized for their parts. The removed turrets had been adapted to Belgian M113A2 vehicles, modified by Israel’s Elbit Systems. However, the recent decision to repair and reintegrate these tanks shows a notable change in military resource management.
Army officials have not disclosed the exact number of tanks that will be restored, but it appears that it will be a modest number. Moreover, it is noted that these reintegrated tanks will not benefit from the same advanced fire control systems found on the M113A2s. According to the Military Balance 2023, the Philippine Army still has six FV101 Scorpion light tanks to date. It is possible that the Arayat will be used for training and fire support purposes.
As a reminder, the Philippine Army has recently bolstered its arsenal with strategic additions, including the Sabrah light tank and the Guarani 6×6 armored vehicle. Introduced in 2024, the Sabrah light tank, based on the Ascod 2 and Pandur II 8×8 chassis, is the result of a collaboration between Israel’s Elbit Systems and General Dynamics Land Systems, offering tracked and wheeled options. Equipped with an advanced turret with a 105mm cannon, the Sabrah aims to enhance the versatility and firepower of the armed forces in the face of regional threats. Indeed, the turret comes from the Matak program, developed in collaboration between Israel and the South African industry. This tank is specially designed to meet the demands of varied terrains and complex combat scenarios.
On the other hand, the Guarani 6×6, developed by Iveco Defence Vehicles and delivered for the first time in 2023, was selected for its superior mobility and protection performance. This armored vehicle excels in the secure transportation of troops, including in amphibious conditions, which is crucial for operations in the numerous archipelagos of the Philippines. The integration of the Guarani into the Philippine Army marks a significant step in the modernization of its troop transport vehicle fleet, thereby enhancing its ability to respond quickly and effectively to regional security challenges.