The Philippine Army (PA) showcased its light tanks and artillery assets in a live-fire exercise aimed at testing the troops' readiness to respond in case of war.

The live-fire exercise was the highlight of the Combined Arms Training Exercise (CATEX) “Katihan” Battle Phase 2 held at the Combat Readiness Training Area (CRTA) in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija and the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Capas, Tarlac on Friday, March 7.

“Training is vital in our organization because it is only through training that we gauge and improve our capability to perform our mission,” Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Army chief, said in a statement.

“This exercise tests our combat readiness and demonstrates our adaptability and ability to execute complex, high-stakes operations with precision. We are confident that the outcomes of this exercise will strengthen our command-and-control capabilities, further enhancing our preparedness to respond to any challenge that may threaten our national security,” he added.

Among the assets used were the ATMOS2000 self-propelled (155mm) howitzers of the Army Artillery Regiment, the Sabrah light tanks armed with 105mm main guns of the Armor Division acquired from Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems last year, and newly procured mortars. 

The live-fire was conducted at the expansive lahar fields of the Crow Valley Gunnery Range.

Meanwhile, infantry units and other Army specialized enablers trained in various warfighting functions at the CRTA.

This year's CATEX Katihan, the second iteration of the Army-wide training, focuses on “command-and-control (C2),” which is a critical factor in external security operations. It enhances the Army’s capability for future interoperability exercises with the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force. 

It simulates wartime operations to validate the PA’s combined arms brigade capability to rapidly project and sustain forces. 

Around 6,000 Army personnel are participating in the Army-wide drills, which runs from March 3 to 22. The CATEX Katihan also serves as the highlight of the 128th founding anniversary of the Army, which banners the theme “Matatag na Sandigan ng Bagong Pilipinas.”