Merkava-based AVLBs reach the Philippines
The Philippine Army is in receipt of two AVLBs based on a Merkava Mark IV tank chassis, following a contract with Elbit Systems. (Photo: Philippine Army)
Israel has delivered two bridge-laying vehicles to the Philippines, these based on an Israeli Merkava tank hull.
A pair of new armoured vehicle-launched bridges (AVLB) arrived by ship in Batangas in the Philippines on 12 July, after completing a sea journey from Israel.
It was earlier thought that these tracked AVLBs might use Leopard 2 hulls, but, in a remarkable move, Elbit Systems has used the Merkava Mk IV tank hull as the basis for these Philippine AVLBs.
This is the first known export of Merkava hulls, though Shephard is aware of persistent rumours that Singapore may have covertly procured some Merkava MBTs for its army.
Original specifications for this combat engineering equipment listed by the Philippines
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin close to deploying JAGM in CUAS missions]()
Lockheed Martin close to deploying JAGM in CUAS missions
The company plans to conduct counter-drone demonstrations with JAGM this year.
-
![Singapore launches the SAFTI City urban warfare complex]()
Singapore launches the SAFTI City urban warfare complex
The large urban recreation uses sensors and robots as well as realistic building design to test tactics and expertise.
-
![Patria adds 120mm mortar system to 4x4 truck]()
Patria adds 120mm mortar system to 4x4 truck
A key feature of TREMOS (Traditional REborn Mortar System) is that it can be rapidly fitted to another platform. After the demonstration in Finland, TREMOS is going to Sweden to be fitted and fired from a standard commercial vehicle fitted with a hook lift to show its flexibility.
