The Philippine Army has received a final batch of 114 M113A2 armoured personnel carriers (APC) from the US Government under the excess defense article programme.
The vehicles are expected to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and boost the nation’s military campaigns against insurgent groups.
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The excess defense article programme recommends surplus defence equipment be reassigned to foreign governments or international organisations at a reduced price, or as a grant.
Philippine Army spokesperson colonel Benjamin Hao was quoted by newsinfo.inquirer as saying: “The vehicles will be brought to the line units so the organisational fill-up will be completed.”
The M113 is a military-tracked vehicle designed to carry 12 soldiers and a driver.
Equipped with .50 calibre machine guns and tactical radios, the APCs can carry out amphibious operations, extended cross-country travel over rough terrain, and high-speed operations on improved roads and highways.
The US previously delivered 77 M113A2 APC units, followed by another 37 in December.
The Phillipines is believed to have paid around $1.4m for the vehicles’ shipment.
The Southeast Asian country had also received 28 M113A2 vehicles from Israel, and will reportedly acquire used military equipment from Korea and Australia, with Japan contemplating the request.
More than 80,000 M113 vehicles are currently being used by at least 44 countries worldwide.
