The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is reportedly planning to acquire an additional 12 ATMOS 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH) from Israel, which would complement the existing 12 units currently in operation within the country. If this acquisition is finalized, the total number of ATMOS 155mm SPH in the Philippine military’s inventory will rise to 24 units.

Reports circulating on the social media platform X indicate that the AFP intends to fund this procurement through the nation’s defense budget for the current year. Should this deal proceed, it will contribute to the AFP’s ongoing modernization efforts, which are currently facing budgetary constraints, with only USD 595 million of the allocated USD 1.275 billion for defense in 2025 confirmed.

The AFP began receiving its first batch of ATMOS 155mm/52cal howitzers in 2021, following a procurement agreement signed the previous year. The Philippines had earlier entered into a contract with Israel to acquire between 12 and 15 ATMOS 155mm/52cal SPH units as part of the Horizon 2 phase of its military modernization initiative, with a value of RM 211 million (USD 47 million).

Weighing 23,000 kg, the ATMOS 155mm/52cal howitzer can engage targets at a distance of 41 km using Extended Range Full Bore Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) projectiles. This Israeli-made SPH system is designed to be operated by a crew of four to six members, including two loaders. For the Philippine Army, the ATMOS 155mm/52cal SPH is mounted on MAN trucks, selected for their availability and compatibility within the country. The Royal Thai Army also utilizes the Soltam ATMOS 155mm/39cal system.

The AFP stands as a significant customer of Israeli defense systems in Southeast Asia, with all branches of the Philippine military employing various equipment developed by Israeli defense manufacturers. Furthermore, Israeli military advisors are actively engaged in training Philippine security and special forces units.

The procurement of the ATMOS 155mm/52cal Self-Propelled Howitzer from Elbit Systems Land further enhances the strong military relationship between the Philippines and Israel. In March of the previous year, the Philippine Army carried out live-fire drills featuring the ATMOS 155mm/52cal SPH during the “Katihan” Combined Arms Training at Camp O’Donnell. The 10th Field Artillery Battalion, known as “Rolling Thunder,” was the inaugural unit to utilize the ATMOS 155mm/52cal SPH within the Philippine Army.

In addition to its use in the Philippines, the Soltam ATMOS 155mm/52cal SPH is operational in several other countries, including Azerbaijan, Botswana, Denmark, Cameroon, Colombia, Uganda, and Zambia.

Furthermore, the Philippine Army has acquired M113 Armored Mortar Carriers, which are outfitted with the Soltam CARDOM recoil mortar system. In 2019, the Philippines formalized an agreement with Elbit Systems for the purchase of 15 self-propelled mortar systems, each featuring a 120mm mortar.