The Philippines Department of National Defence has acquired nine Elbit Systems M-71 155mm towed howitzers to support counter-insurgency efforts in the southern Philippines.
The howitzers will be used by the Philippine Army and Philippine Marines, both of which have experience in battling ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) inspired militants in the south of the country. According to Philippines military sources, the howitzers were acquired at the cost of circa $10 million, with the deal also including the provision of 249 155mm shells.
The sources continued that three of the howitzers will be used by the marines while the other six will be used by the army. The purchase of the weapons is part of the on-going Philippines armed forces modernisation plan.
