The Philippine Army has deployed two Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer Systems (ATMOS) to support counter-terrorism operations in the central Visaya region.
The 155mm self-propelled howitzers will be deployed with the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division.
“These assets will bolster our internal security operations and will largely contribute to the dismantling of the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) in Western and Central Visayas,” Philippine News Agency quoted Third Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison as saying.
Manila bought 12 ATMOS in December 2021 for 2.4 billion Philippine pesos ($43 million).
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The Elbit Systems howitzer can fire at up to 30 kilometers (18 miles) with a standard shell and up to 41 kilometers (25 miles) with an extended-range projectile.
The gun can fire a rocket-assisted projectile up to 56 kilometers (35 miles) away.
“The weapon incorporates an ‘inertial navigation system’-based gun-laying method and an automatic loader,” Sison said.
Earlier, the Philippine Army deployed eight ATMOS in the southern Mindanao region in September 2022 to support counter-terrorism operations.