APD | Armed forces of the Philippines unveils new amphibious assault vehicles

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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

Manila, Sept. 21 (APD)- Four newly-acquired amphibious assault vehicles have been unveiled by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in their ship-to-shore operations at a joint military exercise in Subic Bay in Zambales earlier today, Saturday, September 21,2019.

The unveiling rites was part of the joint interoperability exercise conducted by the AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA which seeks to enhance joint operations among ground, naval and aviation assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The amphibious operations showcased the military’s ability to seize an objective in a scenario of an island recovery. During the operations, a team from Philippine Marine Infantry and Reservists launched the AAVs from the Philippine Navy landing dock, BRP Davao del Sur (LD 602). The team from the Marines landed and conducted operations. Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force rotary-wing aircraft S-76A conducted casualty evacuation from shore to ship.

In a statement, the AFP quoted Lt. Col. Henry Espinosa, commander of the Amphibious Landing Force said that the exercise is an opportunity to enhance the proficiency in sea to land operations using the new amphibious assault vehicles.

“It seeks to develop our skills, techniques and capabilities during rapid deployment of troops from ship to shore under hazardous circumstances and during natural disasters or hostile enemy actions,” he further said.

Four of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' latest Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAVs) were unveiled in today's ship-to-shore operations during a joint military exercise in Subic Bay, Zambales today. (Photos by Rox Cezar/PAOAFP)

It was learned the four AAVs were among the eight newly-acquired amphibious vehicles from South Korean defense manufacturer Hanwha Techwin. The AFP-wide exercise hopes to enhance interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army.

More than 1,500 soldiers including reservists and selected AFP support and separate units are taking part in this year’s joint exercises. Other activities are scheduled in Palawan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac which will include capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain and amphibious operations.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)