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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH Army backs planned acquisition of 500 'fighting vehicles'

PH Army backs planned acquisition of 500 'fighting vehicles'

Published Jul 24, 2026 02:41 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine Army backed the Department of National Defense's plan to acquire more than 500 infantry fighting vehicles, saying the move will strengthen the mobility, protection, and operational capability of soldiers.
  • Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said modern fighting vehicles are vital to help troops respond faster, maneuver more effectively, and carry out missions with greater protection across evolving security environments.
  • Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the armored vehicles will improve troop mobility and serve as a deterrent, but withheld details of the planned procurement for security reasons.
Armor Division's Sabra light tank fires at a target during the first-ever Philippine Army-Japan Ground Self Defense Force Exercise Salaknib combined live fire exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Capas, Tarlac held from May 1 to 2, 2026. (Photo: PA)
Armor Division's Sabra light tank fires at a target during the first-ever Philippine Army-Japan Ground Self Defense Force Exercise Salaknib combined live fire exercise at Colonel Ernesto Rabina Air Base (CERAB) in Capas, Tarlac held from May 1 to 2, 2026. (Photo: PA)
The Philippine Army (PA) expressed support behind the Department of National Defense's (DND) plan to acquire more than 500 infantry fighting vehicles, saying the move will improve the mobility, protection, and combat capability of soldiers.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the planned procurement is a major step in strengthening the country's land defense capability.
“The Philippine Army supports the planned acquisition of over 500 fighting vehicles as part of the Department of National Defense modernization efforts,” Dema-ala said on Friday, July 24.
He said the acquisition will help prepare troops for changing security challenges.
“This initiative reflects a decisive step toward enhancing the mobility, survivability, and operational effectiveness of our troops across diverse and evolving security environments,” he said.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier disclosed that the government intends to acquire more than 500 infantry fighting vehicles as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) continuing modernization program.
An infantry fighting vehicle is an armored combat vehicle designed to transport soldiers into battle while providing direct fire support and protection against enemy attacks.
Teodoro said the planned acquisition is intended to improve the military's ability to move troops quickly while ensuring their safety during operations.
“Our ground troops need to react fast and they must be fully protected, along with their vehicles,” Teodoro said.
“That is why we are embarking on acquiring more than 500 fighting vehicles to ensure that our soldiers are protected,” he added.
Dema-ala echoed the importance of the planned acquisition, saying modern armored vehicles are essential in today's operating environment.
“Modern and reliable fighting vehicles are critical in ensuring that our soldiers can respond swiftly, maneuver effectively, and carry out missions with greater protection and confidence,” he said.
Teodoro said the new vehicles will lessen the need for troops to cover long distances on foot during operations. He added that the platforms will also serve as a deterrent by allowing soldiers to respond immediately to security threats.
The defense chief did not provide details of the planned procurement, citing security considerations.
For specific information on the acquisition program, Dema-ala said the Army would defer to the DND.
"As to the details of this plan, we defer to the Department of National Defense," he said.

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Philippine Army DND fighting vehicles modernization
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