The Philippine Army (PA) is eyeing to enhance its missile and air defense capabilities by creating new units specifically focused on such operations to exemplify its commitment to be an all-around, go-to unit in dealing with various threats.
This was stressed during the closing ceremony of the Army Artillery Regiment's (AAR) capability development workshop in Palayan, Nueva Ecija over the weekend.
Col. Alvin V. Luzon, PA assistant chief of staff for operations, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the activity where he stated that the practicum will "contribute on ensuring the dominance of the Army’s capabilities that is worth emulating by the other major units of the command."
During the AAR capability development workshop, participants discussed the non-materiel development of the Army's missile and air defense capabilities starting with the formulation of the Army's Medium Term Plan 2025-2030.
"The purpose was to formulate the program proposals for fires, air defense, and counterswarm which include the missile regiment, short range air defense (SHORAD) battery, and the very short range air defense (VSHORAD) battery," Col. Xerxes Trinidad, PA spokesperson, said on Sunday, Nov. 20.
The missile regiment, SHORAD Battery, and VSHORAD Battery are expected to further boost the Army's air defense capabilities which will help them achieve their mission to safeguard and preserve the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Battery refers to the grouping of artillery pieces for tactical sense.
In 2020, the PA activated the AAR's 2nd Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Battery and 2nd Field Artillery Battery as part of the development of its anti-access and area denial capabilities.
The ADA Battery is designed to provide air defense for Army units, areas, and installations against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or remotely-piloted vehicles (drones) as well as fixed and rotary aircraft.
Meanwhile, the Field Artillery Battery helps in troop maneuver to destroy, neutralize, and suppress the enemies through its fire support to maneuver units.