Ang Pahayagan

As a centerpiece of the bilateral Exercise SALAKNIB 2026, artillery personnel from the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific conducted a high-intensity High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live fire exercise at Canantong Fire Base, Laur, Nueva Ecija on April 16, 2026.

The engagement saw field artillery specialists from the Philippine Army’s Artillery Regiment and their U.S. counterparts working in seamless integration to maneuver, reload, and discharge the HIMARS batteries. This collaborative effort emphasizes the technical proficiency required to operate the advanced platform—a triple-threat system capable of launching six guided missiles in rapid succession from a mobile five-ton chassis.

Engaging directly with U.S. Army counterparts, Lieutenant Colonel Reynan P Abejar GSC (PA) affirmed that professional exchange is a cornerstone of modern defense. The sharing of knowledge, tactics, and procedures allows both nations to elevate their standards, demonstrating that active engagement is vital for a secure and stable region. (Army Artillery “King of Battle” Regiment, Philippine Army)

Beyond the technical execution, the exercise serves as a critical pillar for regional security. By operating in a joint environment, both nations effectively improve interoperability, bolster combat readiness, and hone the lethality of their long-range precision fires.

Brigadier General Hubert S Acierto PA, the Artillery Regiment Commander, donned the “King of Battle” patches to the personnel of USARPAC, recognizing their exemplary performance and the technical mastery displayed throughout the LFX.

TOP 📸: An M142 HIMARS illuminates the range during the precision-strike demonstration. This all-weather system remains a cornerstone of modern artillery, providing lethal and responsive support to ground forces in any environment. (Army Artillery “King of Battle” Regiment, Philippine Army)