Reporting For Duty: PSG activates D-Max based "Pinoy Humvee"

Last year, the Philippine Army showcased the prototype version of a locally-made light infantry troop carrier that serves a similar purpose as the U.S. Army's Humvee. It was based on an Isuzu D-Max platform and was made fully modular for various military applications.

Now, that same prototype is entering active duty. The Presidential Security Group has added to its fleet the new “BBM Combat Vehicle” as part of the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) of the country.

As the BBM Combat Vehicle is based on the Isuzu D-Max platform, it will likely be powered by a 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that puts out 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a four-wheel-drive transfer control switch for full off-road capability.

The PSG version is a four-door pickup truck that features suicide doors in the back for tactical purposes. It was built by Anos Research Manufacturing (ARM), a private Philippine automotive company that's known for manufacturing specialty vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and now, military vehicles.

The activation of the Isuzu D-Max-based BBM Combat Vehicle should help boost the country's defense industries and encourage local manufacturing.