The Philippine Army is deploying some of the latest self-propelled 155mm Automatic Vehicle Howitzer System (ATMOS 2000) 155mm guns in Mindanao to support counter-terrorism operations.
A $47 million contract was signed in 2020 to purchase 12 howitzers from Elbit Systems. The Army receives the systems in December 2021. Howitzers are assigned to 10th The Field Artillery Battalion “Rolling Thunder” will be commissioned in June 2022. The artillery was divided into three companies, each with four guns. On September 21, Jose C. Faustino Jr.’s secretary hosted a farewell ceremony at the Philippine Army Fort Bonifacio.
ATMOS Army Lieutenant General Romeo S. Brawner Jr “is a game changing weapon system”. The howitzer is mounted on a MAN 6 X 6 tactical truck chassis with four armoured cabs. With integrated in-vehicle positioning and inertial (INS) navigation, the system can be used quickly while on the move.
With automatic loading and digital fire control, it can deliver accurate fire to a range of up to 41 kilometers. The 155mm/52 caliber howitzer is capable of firing the full NATO ammunition catalog, including precision projectiles. The system can store up to 27 rounds per minute.
An advantage of ATMOS is that it offers high precision and “shoot and slide” operation, but can operate on the country’s existing road network and bridges. They can even be deployed in rough terrain while being able to respond to mission demands faster than towed howitzers.
The Army has trained on the new system over the past six months, including a series of live-fire exercises in March/April. The ATMOS artillery was procured under the Philippine Modernization Program Revised Armed Forces Horizon 2.
Stephen W. Miller
