Philippine Army to Receive Remaining Israeli-Made Sabrah Tanks This Year

Jerusalem, 17 February, 2026 (TPS-IL) -- Manila (PNA) – Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete on Monday said he expects all remaining 18 units of the Sabrah light tanks, ordered to beef up the service’s armored capabilities, to be delivered within this year.

“We have nine units of Sabrah [light tanks] now [in service] and we are still waiting for 18 units,” Nafarrete said when asked for updates on the project at a press conference at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

“This is a big item, negotiations are still ongoing. And we hope within this year” for the delivery to be complete, he said.

For security reasons, Nafarette did not give further details on the possible delivery dates.

Around nine to 10 units are now in service with the Armored Division. They were reportedly delivered between 2022-2025.

The Philippines’ Sabrah light tank, which was developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems, is worth around $162.5 million.