As part of the deliverables for the Revised AFP Modernization Program under Horizon 2, 15 units of M125A2 Armored Mortar Carrier (AMC) with 120mm Mounted Mortar System (MMS) were delivered by Elbit Systems of Israel on December 29, 2021. The fleet of armored vehicles with improved mounted arsenal under the Mounted Mortar Acquisition Project of the Army will be part of the firepower upgrade for the Mechanized Infantry Battalions and soon to be reactivated Tank Battalion of the Armor Division, Philippine Army.
For its firepower, the Cardom 120mm recoil mortar system mounted on the M125A2 Armored Carrier is an autonomous, computerized system that has a range of 7,000 meters and a maximum fire rate of 16 rounds per minute operated by four (4) crewmen. The AMC with MMS is used by the US Army, Israeli Defense Force, and NATO countries.
MGEN EFREN P BALUYOT, the Commander of Armor Division, Philippine Army said that this self-propelled firepower upgrade is an added game-changer in land warfare because it provides close and immediate indirect fire support for maneuver units while allowing for quick deployment in tactical situations.
Armored vehicle equipped with 120mm Mounted Mortar System (photo : Elbit Systems)
He added that more modernization projects are in the pipeline such as the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Project, APC Firepower Upgrade with Enclosed Weapon System (EWS), and the Light Tank Acquisition Project, all contributing to a credible defense posture in land domain.