Phl, US armies test fire HIMARS in Nueva Ecija

Joint troops from the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific conducted a live-fire exercise using two units of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at the Canantong Fire Base in Laur, Nueva Ecija on 30 June 2025.

The military drill was part of Operation Spartan Strike, a joint exercise designed to improve coordination and readiness between the two allied forces.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the truck-mounted HIMARS can strike targets with a level of precision and power that surpasses the current capabilities of the Philippine Army.

"To recall, the HIMARS live-fire test was incorporated for the first time in the 2023 iteration of Exercise Salaknib," Dema-ala shared.

He also highlighted the mobility of HIMARS, saying it can maneuver across the battlefield with ease, making it difficult to detect and neutralize.

The conduct of Operation Spartan Strike aims to enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency between the Philippine Army and the US Army Pacific.

The live-fire exercise also synchronized kinetic effects in a controlled environment and contributed to the refinement of fire support strategies for participating troops.

This drill forms part of the Army-to-Army theater security cooperation program between the Philippines and the US, reinforcing their mutual defense readiness.