By Brian Campued
The automated gun mount system developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) – Metals Industry Research and Development Center (MIRDC) is being eyed to be integrated into all of the armored personnel carriers of the Philippine Army (PA) to bolster national defense and security.
In an interview during the official turnover of DOST’s Project COBRA (Controller-Operated Battle Ready Armament) at the Armor Division’s headquarters in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Thursday, Project Leader Engr. Rodnel Tamayo said at least five local manufacturers have expressed interest in reproducing COBRA.
“Hopefully, once na nag-mature na ‘to. Na-test naman na, successful ang testing—very accurate, precise. And Sustained naman ‘yung mga parts nito kasi most of them are locally available. The maintenance nito, even the soldiers can maintain it kasi tuturuan sila ng DOST,” Tamayo said.
Developed in collaboration with the PA, the Department of National Defense (DND), and the Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines (MRSP), COBRA features a remote-operated and stabilized weapons mount; integrated camera with day, night-vision, and thermal modes; Laser Ranger Finder; built-in ballistic computer; automated target tracking and locking; and diagnostics-ready display.
The Filipino-made innovation not only strengthens the firepower capabilities of ground forces but is also designed to ensure operator safety.
“With COBRA, our soldiers will no longer be exposed to heavy fire when operating heavy weapons,” Army Chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said in a press release.
“This project is not just a product for national defense. It symbolizes our collective pursuit of a self-reliant posture through science, technology and innovation,” Nafarrete added.
Aligned with the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program, the development and subsequent manufacture of COBRA also support the government’s Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Program, further reducing the country’s dependence on imported defense technologies.
“Our local defense industry can also later on, aside from tayo yung sinusupplyan, with that capability na at-par na sa ibang countries’ defense industries—then our local industry can also supply to our allies. So, malaking bagay sa ekonomiya natin,” Nafarrete emphasized.
The research and development for Project COBRA lasted for two years, with funding of at least P29 million.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, this COBRA does not bite. But it does strike with precision, stability, and most importantly, proudly Filipino engineering,” DOST Sec. Renato Solidum Jr. said. (with report from Patrick de Jesus / PTV News)
-jpv
