00:00To test the Philippine Army's capability in Combined Arms Operations for National Defense
00:05and Deterrence against potential threats, the Philippine Army conducted live fire exercises
00:11on Friday as part of the Combined Arms Training Exercise or CATEX Katihan in Capas, Tarlac.
00:19This marks the first time that the Philippine Army has deployed its Sabra live tanks in a
00:24field training exercise. PTV's Patrick Jesus has the details.
00:34The powerful blast of the new Sabra light tank echoed across Crow Valley at Colonel Rabina Air
00:40Base in Capas, Tarlac. This was part of the live fire exercises on Friday for the Philippine Army's
00:47Combined Arms Training Exercise or CATEX Katihan. This marks the first time the Philippine Army has
00:53used its Sabra light tanks in a field training exercise. These tanks were officially accepted
01:00just last year, purchased from Israel as part of the AFP Modernization Program under Horizon 2.
01:08The Army also fired 155mm howitzers and other weapons.
01:24CATEX Katihan tests the Army's capability in Combined Arms Operations to defend the
01:38national territory and deter any invasion, in line with the land defense concept.
01:44These exercises also align with the Armed Forces' priority on external defense,
01:49amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
02:11CATEX Katihan is also part of the country's preparations
02:15for this year's Balikatan exercises, set to begin in April, expected to be the largest in history.
02:23This Balikatan for this year, it will be our full battle test. So we will be executing
02:31the concept of operations for our bilateral defense of the sovereignty of the Philippines.
02:41Like last year, Balikatan will not just be between the Philippines and the US,
02:47as Australia, Japan, and other nations are also expected to participate.
02:53More observers from ASEAN and European countries will also be present.
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