Introduction
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah represents a significant milestone in the Philippine Army's modernization program, marking the acquisition of its first-ever modern light tanks. As part of the Light Tank Acquisition Project under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP), these combat vehicles strengthen the Philippine Army's firepower, mobility, and overall combat effectiveness in various operational scenarios.
Acquisition Background
In 2019, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) signed a contract with Elbit Systems Land of Israel worth approximately USD 172 million for the Light Tank Acquisition Project. The contract included the delivery of:
- 18 ASCOD 2 Sabrah Light Tanks
- 10 ASCOD 2 Platforms configured as Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs)
- 8 Sabrah PANDUR II 8×8 Wheeled Light Tanks
- Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package
The first batch of these vehicles arrived in the Philippines in 2022, with the formal turnover ceremony held in September 2022. The acquisition represents the country's first modern light tank platforms, significantly enhancing the Philippine Army's armored capabilities.
Mission and Operational Role
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah serves multiple critical missions within the Philippine Army's operational framework:
1. Territorial Defense: Enhancing the Army's capability to respond to external threats and protect the nation's sovereignty
2. Internal Security Operations: Supporting counter-insurgency efforts across challenging terrain
3. Disaster Response: Providing mobility and engineering support during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations
4. Force Projection: Allowing rapid deployment of armored assets to crisis areas
5. Combined Arms Operations: Integrating with infantry, artillery, and other combat elements to deliver comprehensive battlefield effects
The light tanks were specifically procured to operate effectively in the Philippines' unique geography, characterized by mountainous terrain, dense jungles, urban centers, and numerous coastal areas with limited infrastructure.
Technical Specifications
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah combines Israeli weapon systems on a European platform, resulting in a versatile light tank with the following specifications:
General Characteristics
- Weight: Approximately 35 tons
- Length: 6.8 meters
- Width: 3.2 meters
- Height: 2.7 meters
- Crew: 4 (Commander, Gunner, Loader, Driver)
- Manufacturer: Collaboration between General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) and Elbit Systems
Mobility
- Engine: MTU 8V 199 TE20 diesel engine (720 hp)
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: Approximately 20 hp/ton
- Maximum Road Speed: 70 km/h
- Operational Range: 500 km
- Suspension System: Torsion bar
- Gradient/Side Slope: 60% / 30%
- Vertical Obstacle: 0.8 meters
- Trench Crossing: 2.5 meters
- Fording Depth: 1.2 meters (unprepared)
Protection
- Armor: Modular composite armor with add-on protection packages
- Protection Level: Up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 (front) and Level 4 (sides)
- Mine Protection: Enhanced underbelly protection against mines and IEDs
- Survivability Features: Anti-spall liner, automatic fire suppression system, NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection
Firepower and Combat Systems
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah incorporates advanced Israeli weapon systems and electronics:
Main Armament
- Gun: Elbit 105mm low-recoil gun system
- Ammunition Capacity: 36 rounds of various types (APFSDS, HEAT, HESH, Canister)
- Rate of Fire: Up to 8 rounds per minute
- Fire Control System: Advanced computerized FCS with laser rangefinder
- Stabilization: Full two-axis stabilization for firing on the move
Secondary Armament
- Coaxial Machine Gun: 7.62mm machine gun
- Remote Weapon Station: 12.7mm heavy machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher
- Smoke Grenade Launchers: Multiple launchers on turret sides
Command and Control Systems
- Battle Management System: Integrated digital battlefield command system
- Communications: Advanced tactical communications suite with data networking capabilities
- Sensors: Day/night thermal imaging sights, laser rangefinders, and 360° situational awareness cameras
Capabilities and Battlefield Effectiveness
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah offers the Philippine Army several tactical advantages:
Mobility
The platform demonstrates excellent mobility across various terrains found in the Philippines. Its power-to-weight ratio allows it to navigate mountainous regions, while its overall design enables operation in confined urban environments. The tracked configuration provides superior off-road capability compared to wheeled vehicles, essential for operations in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.
Firepower
Armed with a 105mm main gun, the Sabrah provides significant firepower previously unavailable to Philippine ground forces. The ability to engage targets at ranges exceeding 3,000 meters with precision gives Philippine troops a substantial advantage in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios. The advanced fire control system allows for accurate engagement of moving targets while the tank itself is in motion.
Protection
The modular armor system offers protection against common battlefield threats, including small arms, artillery fragments, anti-tank weapons, and improvised explosive devices. The vehicle's survivability features enhance crew protection while maintaining a relatively light weight for strategic mobility.
Versatility
The ASCOD 2 platform's modular design allows for configuration changes based on mission requirements. Beyond the light tank configuration, variants can serve as infantry fighting vehicles, command posts, recovery vehicles, or engineering assets.
Integration with Philippine Army Doctrine
The introduction of the ASCOD 2 Sabrah has necessitated updates to Philippine Army doctrine, particularly in combined arms operations. The Army has established the Armor Division to operate these assets, with comprehensive training programs for crews and maintenance personnel. The platforms have been integrated into the Army's operational planning, providing commanders with new tactical options for various scenarios.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite its capabilities, the ASCOD 2 Sabrah faces several challenges in the Philippine context:
1. Logistics and Maintenance: The sophisticated systems require specialized maintenance capabilities and supply chains not previously established within the Philippine Army
2. Strategic Mobility: Moving these vehicles between islands requires appropriate sealift capabilities
3. Training Requirements: Operating modern armored vehicles demands comprehensive crew training programs
4. Terrain Constraints: Despite good mobility characteristics, some remote island and mountainous areas remain challenging for armored operations
Conclusion
The ASCOD 2 Sabrah light tanks represent a quantum leap in the Philippine Army's combat capabilities. Their acquisition aligns with the country's defense modernization objectives and broader national security strategy. As these platforms are further integrated into the force structure and doctrine, they will significantly enhance the Philippine Army's ability to defend national territory, respond to crises, and conduct the full spectrum of military operations.
The successful implementation of this program demonstrates the Philippine government's commitment to building a credible defense posture through selective procurement of
modern military equipment tailored to the country's unique strategic environment and operational requirements.