MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army has listed seven procurement projects worth P2.67 million for the activation of a Tank Brigade in its 2027 indicative procurement plan, although the entries do not specify the goods or services to be acquired.
The projects are estimated to cost P2,666,313 and are described as covering the operational and administrative requirements of newly activated units, according to the Army’s 2027 Indicative Annual Procurement Plan (IAPP).
All seven entries carry the project title “Activation of Tank Brigade” and identify HPAG 3 as the end-user. Their individual budgets range from P5,800 to P976,355.
The largest allocation is P976,355, followed by P601,000 and P486,660. The remaining projects are valued at P299,830, P168,000, P128,668 and P5,800.
The entries identify small value procurement as the procurement method and the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program as the funding source.
The plan schedules the procurement activities for October to December 2026. As an indicative document, however, it does not establish that the proposed expenditures have been approved, that contracts have been awarded or that the brigade has been activated.
The seven entries do not identify specific equipment, vehicles or other items to be purchased, nor do they establish the brigade’s planned composition, activation date or overall funding requirements.
The proposed brigade would represent an organizational development for the Army’s armor force, which is currently organized under the Armor Division.
The Army reactivated its 1st Tank Battalion on April 21, 2022, at Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac. The battalion operates Sabrah light tanks acquired under the military’s modernization program.
The procurement entries alone do not establish whether the proposed Tank Brigade would receive additional tanks or other armored assets, or whether existing units and equipment would form part of its organization.
The Army has yet to publicly announce the brigade’s activation.
The Manila Times has sought comment from the Army on the proposed brigade’s composition, activation timeline and equipment requirements. Its response was not immediately available.