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Philippine Marine Corps Plans Arrival of New Turkish MFR56 Machine Guns by April 2025.
The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is preparing to enhance its squad's combat capabilities by acquiring new Squad Automatic Weapons (SAWs). This initiative aims to address a shortage of light machine guns within the force and to improve the firepower of its infantry units. The project, managed by the Philippine Navy’s Bids and Awards Committee, resulted in a public tender for the supply of 73 new SAWs, to be delivered by a joint venture between Turkey's System Defence and the Philippine company Topshot Guns International.
The partnership will supply the MFR56 light machine gun, a 5.56mm weapon marketed as one of the lightest in its category, weighing just 4.25 kilograms (Picture source: System Defence)
Following an open bidding process that began at the end of 2023, System Defence emerged as the only compliant bidder and was awarded the project on April 18, 2024. The partnership will supply the MFR56 light machine gun, a 5.56mm weapon marketed as one of the lightest in its category, weighing just 4.25 kilograms. The total contract value is PHP 45.38 million, resulting in savings of PHP 500,500 below the project’s original budget. The Notice to Proceed was issued in June 2024, with deliveries expected to be completed by April 2025.
This recent contract award follows previous efforts by the PMC to modernize squad-level weaponry, including the acquisition of 160 units of the MFR56 in 2021. The initial batch, delivered in mid-2023, replaced aging FN Minimi models, many of which had been damaged or lost over years of operational use. The MFR56's performance on the field led the PMC to favor this model for the latest procurement, thus simplifying logistics and training requirements by standardizing the SAW inventory.
The Philippine Marine Corps historically operated a mixed inventory of SAWs, including the Belgian-made FN Minimi, which entered service in limited quantities through a joint acquisition with the Philippine Army in 2003. Due to losses and wear, fewer than 80 units of the FN Minimi remained operational by 2024. Additionally, heavier machine guns like the M60E3 and M60E4 7.62mm models have been used in this role, although their weight of over 10.5 kilograms proved cumbersome for automatic riflemen during mobile operations. In contrast, the MFR56 provides a significantly lighter alternative, allowing for greater mobility and ease of handling in various combat situations.
The modernization initiative aligns with the planned restructuring of the Marine squads’ organization, which will integrate new equipment and weaponry to enhance operational effectiveness. The MFR56 is set to play a central role in this development, offering versatility through its dual-feeding mechanism, which supports both magazine and belt-fed operation. This configuration, combined with a firing rate of 700 to 850 rounds per minute, ensures that the MFR56 can deliver sustained fire during both defensive and offensive actions.
The weapon’s specifications meet the stringent requirements of the Philippine Marine Corps, featuring a 20.5-inch quick-change barrel, a foldable bipod, and high-carbon alloy steel construction for enhanced durability. Each SAW will be delivered with essential accessories, including two 30-round magazines, two 200-round ammunition boxes, a reflex optic sight, a spare barrel, and a tactical sling, ensuring full readiness for deployment.
While other international manufacturers participated in the initial stages of the public bidding, only the joint venture between System Defence and Topshot Guns ultimately submitted the required documentation, technical, and financial proposals. The PMC’s preference for the MFR56, influenced by the weapon's prior success and established service record, may have discouraged competing bids for a different SAW model.
The additional procurement of MFR56 units reflects a practical approach to maintaining combat readiness while managing costs and operational risks. By continuing to standardize squad-level weaponry, the PMC can ensure a more efficient supply chain, reduce the training burden on personnel, and minimize maintenance complexities. The new batch of MFR56 light machine guns is expected to significantly enhance the firepower of Marine squads, enabling the force to better respond to the dynamic demands of modern military engagements.
As the Philippine Marine Corps prepares for the full delivery of the new SAWs by April 2025, the successful deployment of these weapons will mark an important step in the ongoing modernization of the service. The acquisition project highlights the PMC’s commitment to equipping its Marines with advanced and reliable tools for national defense.