The Philippine Army on Friday utilized its newly arrived Sabrah light tanks in a combined arms live-fire exercise aimed at assessing the troops’ capabilities in using armored platforms for ground operations.

The live fire drills, held at Col. Ernesto Ravina Airbase in Capas, Tarlac, were part of the Army’s annual Combined Arms Training Exercise, also known as CATEX-Katihan.

This was the first time the light tanks, which can fire a 105mm cannon, were used in field training exercises since their arrival last year.

Exercise Director BGen. Michael Logico said the live fire drills demonstrate the full capabilities of the Philippine Army, specifically in utilizing armored platforms for 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,” he said.

Logico said part of the exercise involved not only testing the capabilities of the new assets but evaluating how the troops work 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 offense and defense,” he added.

CATEX-Katihan simulated wartime operations with large-force maneuvers, sustainment and battle-focused setting.

Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the exercise will evaluate the command-and-control capabilities of several divisions and brigades during the simulated operations.

“This exercise aims to provide direction, consistency and standardization of combined arms training involving war-fighting functions among units to enable them to conduct operations in a complex operational environment,” he said.

Army Commanding Lt.Gen. Roy Galido said the focus of this year’s CATEX-Katihan will be the “command and control” training that will be held in strategic areas across the archipelago from 3 to 12 March.

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