PH, US forces showcase long-range HIMARS precision fire in SALAKNIB 2026

The Philippine Army (PA) Artillery Regiment and the  25th Infantry Division of the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) showcased the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) during a live fire exercise as part of SALAKNIB 2026 in Canantong, Laur, Nueva Ecija on Thursday. 

The HIMARS is a mobile, multi-launch rocket platform integrated onto a five-ton truck chassis, the PA said. It has seen action in the Middle East and more recently in Ukraine.

During the exercise, HIMARS utilized six reduced-range practice rockets (RRPR) to demonstrate its rapid-fire capabilities, with the guided projectiles reaching a distance of 15 kilometers.

Philippine Army Training Command Commander Major General Michael Logico and USARPAC 25th Infantry Division Deputy Commander Brigadier General Jonathan Velishka witnessed the live firing drills. 

“As the Philippine Army shifts to a territorial defense posture, the support from the USARPAC 25th Infantry Division partners provides Philippine troops with crucial capabilities on long-range precision fires (LRPF),” the Army said. 

SALAKNIB Phase 1 is scheduled from April 6 to April 17. Aside from the Philippines and the United States, counterparts from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and the Australian Army took part in the drills. 

SALAKNIB will be followed by Exercise Balikatan scheduled from April to May 2026 and Salaknib Phase 2 from May to June 2026. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News