Army activates Air Defense, Field Artillery batteries

January 17, 2020

The Philippine Army activated its 2nd Air Defense Artillery Battery and its 2nd Field Artillery Battery in a ceremony in Nueva Ecija last Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, said the joint activation ceremony that was led by Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay was held at the Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) in Fort Ramon Magsaysay.

Gapay challeged the commanders of the new units, to lead their "respective batteries with drive and dynamism."

“To the men and women of these newly activated units, your full focus and commitment will be the main tools that will propel you and your unit forward,” said Gapay.

“The Army activated the new batteries as part of the development of its anti-access and area denial capabilities in pursuit of its vision of becoming a world class Army by 2028,” he added.

The Air Defense Battery is designed to provide air defense for Army units, areas, and installations against unmanned aerial vehicles or remotely-piloted vehicles as well as fixed and rotary aircraft.

The Field Artillery Battery will help in troop maneuver to destroy, neutralize, and suppress the enemies through its fire support to maneuver units.

"These combined units shall provide a lethal force for a modern Army. The new units also align with national security priority to safeguard and preserve the Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. Robina Asido/DMS