The Philippine Army on Friday deployed its newly acquired Sabrah light tanks in a combined arms live-fire exercise aimed at assessing troop capabilities in utilizing armored platforms for ground operations.

The live-fire drills, held at Camp Edwin Ravina Airbase in Capas, Tarlac, were part of the Army’s annual Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX-Katihan). This marks the first field training exercise for the light tanks, which are equipped with 105mm cannons, since their arrival last year.

Exercise Director Brig. Gen. Michael Logico emphasized that the drills showcase the full capabilities of the Philippine Army, particularly in employing infantry, artillery, and armored units in coordinated ground operations.

Definitely, it makes up the total capability of the Philippine Army. As I mentioned, our focus here is combined arms warfare. So for ground operations, it's a combination of infantry, artillery, and armored units working side-by-side together," Logico said.

He also noted that the exercise is not only about testing the new armored assets but also evaluating how troops operate together as a combined arms team.

“Any armor platform provides you the advantages of speed, firepower, and protection. So these are essential capabilities that you need, especially when you're going into mobile warfare. So they are lethal in both the offense and also in the defense,” he added.

Simulating high-stakes combat scenarios

CATEX-Katihan simulates wartime operations, involving large-force maneuvers, sustainment, and battle-focused scenarios.

Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the training will evaluate command-and-control capabilities across several divisions and brigades.

“This exercise aims to provide direction, consistency and standardization of combined arms training involving warfighting functions among units to enable them to conduct operations in a complex operational environment,” Dema-ala explained.

Meanwhile, Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido highlighted that this year’s CATEX-Katihan, held from 3-12 March, will focus on command and control training across strategic areas nationwide.

“This exercise will test our combat readiness and demonstrate our adaptability and ability to execute complex high-stake operations with precision,” Galido said.

The drills underscore the Philippine Army’s modernization efforts, ensuring that troops are well-prepared to operate advanced military assets effectively in real-world combat scenarios.