The Philippine Army (PA) is continuing to modernize and refine its anti-tank or anti-armor tactics and capabilities amid lessons drawn from ongoing global conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said the service already maintains an established anti-armor capability and is now focused on enhancing and modernizing existing systems rather than building new ones from scratch.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has highlighted the extensive use of anti-tank guided missiles, hunter-killer drones, anti-tank guns mounted on military vehicles, and aircraft in anti-armor operations.
“The PA already possesses an established anti-armor capability through existing anti-tank weapons, doctrine, and trained units,” Dema-ala said.
“What it is doing now is enhancing and modernizing that capability—rather than starting from scratch—by refining tactics through exercises, improving soldier skills and proficiency, and acquiring more modern systems under ongoing modernization programs,” he added.
Anti-tank or anti-armor capability refers to a military force’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize tanks and armored vehicles during armed conflict.
Dema-ala said lessons from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine, are being incorporated into training and doctrine as part of capability improvements.
“These are applied as capability enhancements to an already existing anti-armor capability, not as the creation of a new one,” he said.
When asked whether the Army possesses similar anti-tank assets or weapons, Dema-ala declined to provide details, citing security concerns.
