US, PH Armies fire HIMARS in Nueva Ecija drill

The Philippine Army and the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) conducted a live fire exercise on Friday using a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in Laur, Nueva Ecija.

In a statement, the Philippine Army said the activity at the Canantong Fire Base was part of the ongoing second phase of the Salaknib Exercise.

“Philippine Army's Artillery Regiment and Field Artillery personnel from the US Army's Multi-Domain Task Force worked closely together to maneuver, reload, and fire the HIMARS batteries,” the Philippine Army said.

“The HIMARS, a missile launcher mounted on a five-ton truck, is capable of firing six guided missiles in rapid succession,” it added.

Salaknib is a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and readiness of two armies, according to the Philippine Army.

In April, the Philippine Army and USARPAC started the first phase of Salaknib.

The participating troops included 1,800 soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 5th and 7th Infantry Divisions and Specialty Enabler units and 1,700 USARPAC soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. — DVM, GMA Integrated News