Philippine Army at 128: Evolving for the future

The Philippine Army (PA), on March 22, 2025, commemorated the 128th anniversary of its founding.

- LT. GEN. AURELIO B. BALADAD (RET)

In his speech, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido PA, the commanding general of the PA, remarked, “Our role is clear, to safeguard the land domain while supporting coastal and littoral operations.” To achieve this amid a time when the global landscape is shifting, the Army focused on up-grading its equipment, ramping up training, and evolving its strategic doctrines.

The combat environment is rapidly evolving. The Army is quickly developing so that soldiers have the equipment they need to react fiercely and correctly. The integration of Sabrah ASCOD Light Tanks and the Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) equipped with Remote-Controlled Weapons Systems, the ATMOS2000 Self-propelled (155mm) and towed howitzers, and recently obtained mortars represents major progress. These resources provide the Army the ability to counter evolving dangers with greater firepower, survivability, and battlefield flexibility.

Network-centric operations is the subject of additional modernization initiatives. The Army’s capacity to evaluate and eliminate threats in real time has been strengthened by improved surveillance systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and integrated command -and-control technology. This change is highlighted by the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), which mixes land, air, and naval forces to protect territory. With such advances, the Army adapts to evolving hybrid challenges and goes beyond traditional tactics.