AFP to expand TOW anti-tank missile inventory

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines is set to expand its inventory of TOW anti-tank missile systems despite ongoing budget constraints for major weapons acquisitions, according to information gathered by Bons Cue PH.

The military expects to receive additional logistical support and components for its TOW Improved Target Acquisition System, including spare parts and munitions.

The AFP received its first TOW ITAS in late 2020 as part of an $18 million weapons package that also included MK-82 bombs and about 100 TOW-2A missiles.

TOW missiles have an effective range of 3 to 4 kilometers, while the system’s laser rangefinder can detect and scan targets up to 10 kilometers away, allowing it to serve as a surveillance and target acquisition asset when needed.

While newer fire-and-forget systems such as the ATK-1 Raybolt and Javelin have entered the market, the AFP has given positive feedback on the TOW platform’s reliability, citing its durability in tropical environments and the performance of its electronic components.

The anticipated increase in TOW inventory and support equipment could allow the systems to be deployed with some AFP armored units as mobile anti-tank platforms.