(File photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that it will be conducting a live-fire exercise using the FGM-148 "Javelin" anti-tank system at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on April 13.
Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in an advisory sent to reporters, said the live-fire drills are designed to "execute and apply the skills learned and simulation exercise with the 25th Infantry Division, US Army and Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) as the training audience."
He added that the "Javelin" lectures and simulations were conducted during the just concluded "Salaknib" exercises which took place last March 13 to April 4.
"This activity is part of subject matter expert exchange training for 'Salaknib' 2023 (SN23) and to be executed during 'Balikatan' 38 (BK38) timeline," Trinidad said.
This year's "Balikatan" exercise is scheduled from April 11 to 28 and involves more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops.
"The 'Javelin' anti-tank weapon live-fire exercise will fire six missiles which will be fired by the 25th Infantry Division, US Army, PA, and PMC. This event will be facilitated by the 'Javelin' anti-tank trainers of (the) US Army. Senior leaders from both Armies will witness the event," Trinidad said.
The FGM-148 "Javelin" missile has proven effective in neutralizing tanks and other armored vehicles in the conflict between Russian and Ukraine.
It is an American-made portable man-portable anti-tank systems system in service since 1996, and continuously upgraded.
Its fire-and-forget design uses automatic infrared guidance that allows the user to seek cover immediately after launch. (PNA)
