Discover the combat story and technical breakdown of the Philippines M113A2 Plus FSV, one of Southeast Asia's most unique armored hybrids combining an American M113 hull, a British FV101 Scorpion 76mm turret, and Israeli digital optics by Elbit Systems. We examine how this budget-friendly fire support vehicle proved its tactical value during the intense urban combat of the 2017 Marawi siege using 76mm HESH rounds against fortified structures. The analysis uncovers critical vulnerabilities, from thin 5083 aluminum armor and center of gravity balance issues to the modern threat of low-cost FPV drones. With the Philippine Army receiving new Sabrah ASCOD 2 light tanks under the Revised AFP Modernization Program, we explore the shift of the M113 FSV fleet to secondary littoral defense and coastal chokepoints. Watch the full defense breakdown to find out whether this vehicle was a procurement genius or an outdated stopgap, and share your strategic perspective in the comments below.
Music provided by Liborio Conti (
Released under Creative Commons / Free for Commercial Use.
Source: DefAsia
