The Philippine Armed Forces 1st Tank Battalion “MASIKAN”, under the command of LTC Ian Kristin D. Hamlag ARM (GSC) PA, successfully completed a series of intensive gunnery training and live-firing exercises with the Sabrah 105mm Light Tanks at Camp Ernesto Ravina Air Base (CERAB) From July 8 to 11, 2024. This crucial training exercise was documented on the battalion’s official Facebook page, emphasizing its importance in maintaining the unit’s combat readiness and operational efficiency. The rigorous training sessions aimed to provide both experienced soldiers and new recruits with essential hands-on experience, incorporating a variety of realistic combat scenarios to test and enhance the accuracy, reliability, and firepower of the Sabrah 105mm Light Tanks. Major General Pedro C. Balisi Jr. PA, Commander of the Armor Pambato Division, oversaw the exercises, highlighting their significance in ensuring the highest standards of military effectiveness and preparedness.
Developed by Elbit Systems, the Sabrah light tank series addresses the Philippine Army’s need for a versatile light tank/tank destroyer. The tracked version is based on the ASCOD 2 platform, manufactured by Spain’s GDELS – Santa Bárbara Sistemas, while the wheeled version uses the 8×8 Pandur II platform from the Czech Republic’s Excalibur Army. In January 2021, Elbit Systems secured a $172 million contract to supply the Philippine Army with these advanced light tanks. Weighing in at 30 tons, the Sabrah light tank features a modular design with a common 105mm manned turret for both tracked and wheeled versions. The vehicle’s fully-electric turret drive offers stabilization in elevation and traverse, and its dual-axis high-performance turret provides hunter-killer capabilities, blending firepower with maneuverability. The tank can be configured for enhanced lethality, ensuring adaptability in various combat scenarios.
The Sabrah light tank is equipped with an Elbit Systems Land 105mm gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, eight 76mm smoke grenade launchers, and two optional anti-tank guided missiles. The 105mm gun, featuring a thermal shroud and integrated muzzle brake system, fires NATO-standard ammunition at a rate of six rounds per minute, with an effective range of 3,600 meters. An autoloader with a manual backup system facilitates rapid ammunition loading, holding 12 ready-to-use rounds in the autoloader drum and 24 more in the hull. The 7.62mm machine gun has 500 ready-to-fire rounds and 1,500 rounds stored in the hull. Protection systems on the Sabrah include armor capable of ballistic protection up to NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4, with options for active protection systems. The vehicle also features Elbit Systems’ TORCH-X battle management system, electro-optical sights, fire control systems, and life support systems.
The Sabrah’s advanced observation and fire control capabilities include a panoramic sight system with day and night-vision EO sensors, a high-definition color camera for daylight operations, and a thermal sight for night vision. The dual-axis line of sight stabilization allows effective targeting and engagement of both fixed and mobile targets, supported by a sophisticated fire control system. The Sabrah light tank is equipped with E-LynX software-defined radio for reliable communication and an auto-tracker system to improve hit probability on the move. The laser range finder can measure distances up to 7,000 meters, and optional meteorological sensors enhance ballistic accuracy by measuring variables such as wind, pressure, and temperature. Additional optional systems include a laser warning system and see-through head-mounted display technology.
