GDELS has successfully completed the first training on the ASCOD Light Tank (LT105) for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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Press Release, Kaiserslautern, 14 February 2024: As pointed out in a recent statement from General Dynamics European Land Systems–Santa Bárbara Sistemas (GDELS-SBS), the Spanish subsidiary of GDELS has successfully completed the first training in operations, driving and maintenance of the ASCOD Light Tank (LT105) for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at the Camp O’Donnell military base, located in the municipality of Capas (Tarlac) on the island of Luzon.
The courses were held between January 29 and February 9 for personnel of the First Tank Battalion of the First Armored Division of the Philippine Army (PA) as well as specialists from the Armored Vehicle Maintenance Battalion. The training consisted of a course on operations, driving and maintenance of the ASCOD tracked armoured vehicle for 28 drivers and 15 commanders, and a second course dedicated to 2nd echelon maintenance with 15 mechanics of the Philippine Army. A driving course had already been given prior to the departure of the vehicles at GDELS’ Alcalá de Guadaíra factory near Seville.
GDELS-SBS has supplied, in cooperation with the Israeli firm Elbit Systems, new combat vehicles of the ASCOD family. The SABRAH is a version of the ASCOD adapted for the Philippines, characterised by its protection, mobility and adaptability to different combat settings. It has been delivered in three variants: Light Tank (LT105), Command Post with UT 25 unmanned turret, and Recovery (ARV).
In April 2022, the Philippine Army reactivated the First Tank Battalion of the First Armored Division as part of strengthening the military capabilities of its Armed Forces. “Looking at the future operational landscape, the PA has reactivated the 1st Tank Battalion to provide our infantry and mechanised infantry forces with advanced firepower capability and enhance the standards of protection, especially in conducting contingency missions and combined arms and joint operations in the country,” Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement in April 2022.
The Philippines is the fourth user country of the ASCOD vehicle currently in operation in Spain (under the name PIZARRO), Austria (ULAN) and Great Britain (AJAX).
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