The eight Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer System (ATMOS 2000) 155mm self-propelled guns have arrived in General Santos City, aimed at improving the counter -terrorism operations in Mindanao areas.
In a statement Saturday, the Philippine Army said the ATMOS 2000, the biggest gun in the Army arsenal, will be used under the operational control of the Joint Task Force Central.
The 10th Field Artillery “Rolling Thunder” Battalion’s ATMOS was transported by a Philippine Navy vessel that sailed from the Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City on 14 September, three days after the send-off ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.
PA’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division Commander Maj. Gen. Galido said the automatic loading and digital fire control of the ATMOS can reach up to 41 kilometers.
“An advantage of ATMOS is that it offers high accuracy and shoot and scoot operation yet can operate on the existing road network and bridges found in the country,” Galido added.
“They are able to deploy even in rugged terrain while being able to respond to mission demands more quickly than towed howitzers.”
Department of National Defense Officer-in-Charge Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. earlier said the ATMOS will serve as a “game-changer” asset of the military.
He added these self-propelled guns will enhance the territorial defense capabilities as well as internal security operations of the soldiers.
Faustino said the ATMOS 2000, with a long-range, fast-moving, and truck-mounted system, will significantly contribute to the peacekeeping efforts of the security forces in all conflict-afflicted areas.