The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showcased their new ASCOD Command Vehicle during a military parade for their 88th Anniversary on December 21, 2023. Revealed in images on MaxDefense Philippines' Facebook account, this vehicle integrates a command and control system from Israeli company Elbit Systems. It's also equipped with Elbit's UT25 unmanned turret, armed with a 25mm automatic cannon.
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The new Command Post vehicle of the Philippine armed forces was unveiled during a military parade. (Picture source Facebook MaxDefense Philippines)

This deployment follows Elbit Systems' January 2021 announcement of a three-year contract to supply Sabrah light tanks and command post armored tracked vehicles to the Philippines, marking a significant upgrade in the AFP's armored capabilities.

The ASCOD is a highly agile, medium-weight tracked armored fighting vehicle, known for its mobility, reliability, and protection. It's a product of a joint development between General Dynamics Santa Bárbara Sistemas of Spain and Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug of Austria, now part of General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). The vehicle is used in different variants by the Spanish Army (named Pizarro) and the Austrian Army (named Ulan).

The ASCOD is designed with a focus on providing robust protection to its occupants. It incorporates advanced armor technology capable of withstanding various threats on the battlefield. This includes protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and improved resistance to mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle's modular design allows for additional armor to be added, enhancing its protective capabilities against more significant threats as required. This flexibility ensures that the ASCOD 2 can be adapted to suit different mission profiles and threat environments.

The ASCOD excels in mobility, offering high agility and maneuverability on diverse terrains. It is equipped with a powerful engine, providing it with a high power-to-weight ratio that enables rapid acceleration and a high top speed. This speed and agility are crucial for both tactical maneuvering in combat and strategic mobility over longer distances. The vehicle's advanced suspension system further contributes to its mobility, ensuring smooth travel over rough terrain and enhancing its off-road capabilities. This suspension system also plays a role in maintaining stability, which is particularly important when the vehicle is equipped with heavy armaments or additional armor.

The Elbit Systems UT25 is an unmanned turret designed for modern armored fighting vehicles. It's known for mounting either a 25mm M242 automatic cannon or a 30mm MK44 cannon, both from ATK. Additionally, it includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. This turret is part of Elbit Systems' efforts to provide advanced, remotely operated armaments for military vehicles, enhancing their firepower and operational capabilities while keeping crew members safe within the vehicle's armored protection.

Defense News December 2023