Philippine Navy's future landing platform docks to be armed with Turkish heavy machine guns from Sarsilmaz.

As reported by Max Montero on April 28, 2025, the Philippine Navy has awarded a contract to Türkiye’s Sarsilmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş. to supply up to 16 SAR 127 MT 0.50 machine guns for two upcoming Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) currently under construction at PT PAL Indonesia’s shipyard. A Notice of Award was issued, with a total contract value of PHP 35,606,500.00 (approximately USD 640,917). The selection follows a public bidding process conducted under the rules of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9184. The LPDs are being built as part of the Landing Docks Acquisition Project, included in Horizon 2 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. The future LPDs are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027 and are intended to expand the Philippine Navy’s amphibious assault, sealift, logistics, and humanitarian assistance capabilities.
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The future LPDs are designed to accommodate increased aviation operations, with facilities for one 10-ton helicopter in the hangar and two 10-ton helicopters on the flight deck. (Picture source: Twitter/Max Montero)

According to Max Montero, the SAR 127 MT is the model selected for the new Philippine Navy LPDs. Chambered for 12.7×99mm NATO ammunition, this machine gun operates in closed-bolt full-automatic mode and open-bolt semi-automatic mode. The weapon fires at a rate of 500 to 600 rounds per minute, has a muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second with a tolerance of ±30 meters per second, and delivers an effective range of 1,830 meters with a maximum range of 6,800 meters. It utilizes a right- or left-feed ammunition system compatible with M9-linked belts. The SAR 127 MT features an eight right-hand twist rifling pattern with a 381 mm twist rate, a 6 MOA dispersion, and a trigger pull of 50 to 80 Newtons. The weapon weighs approximately 38 kilograms without a magazine, has an overall length of 1,655 mm, and a barrel length of 1,144 mm. It is equipped with a quick-change stellite-lined barrel, can be configured for infantry or platform use with tripod mounting or coaxial systems, and includes compatibility with anti-air aiming sights.

The Philippines’ efforts to build a strategic sealift capability began in 2009, when the acquisition of Roll-On Roll-Off vessels from Japan was considered but ultimately not pursued due to funding delays. Later, the Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) concept was developed, culminating in the acquisition of the Tarlac-class vessels under Horizon 1 of the Revised AFP Modernization Program. These ships were intended to provide amphibious assault, transport, and humanitarian assistance capabilities. PT PAL Indonesia was selected to build two LPDs based on a variant of the Makassar-class, representing a cost-effective solution derived from South Korean shipbuilding expertise adapted to Philippine Navy requirements.

Currently, the Philippine Navy operates two Tarlac-class LPDs: BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602). Both vessels measure 123 meters in length, displace 7,200 tons standard, and up to 11,583 tons at full load. They are powered by a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) propulsion system using two MAN-STX 8L27/38 engines and one MAN D2842 LE301 generator. The Tarlac-class can carry 500 troops, vehicles, and two medium helicopters, and can operate two landing craft from floodable well decks. Initial armament includes six manually operated .50 caliber machine guns, with the ships built to accommodate a 76mm Oto Melara gun and 30mm secondary guns. These vessels have participated in exercises and humanitarian missions, and have operated in areas including the South China Sea.

The two future LPDs are based on an improved Tarlac-class design with modifications derived from operational experience. Each ship will measure 124 meters in length, with a 21.8-meter beam and a 6.7-meter draft. Their displacement remains approximately 7,200 tons. They will be powered by two diesel engines, each producing 2,920 kW, and will include four diesel generators. Maximum speed is rated at 16 knots, with a cruising range of 9,360 nautical miles at 13 knots, and an endurance of 30 days for the crew or 15 days with fully embarked troops. Each ship will carry up to 500 troops along with vehicles and amphibious craft such as LCUs and RHIBs, launched through floodable well decks.

The SAR 127 MT fires at a rate of 500 to 600 rounds per minute, has a muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second, and delivers an effective range of 1,830 meters with a maximum range of 6,800 meters. (Picture source: Sarsilmaz)

The future LPDs are designed to accommodate increased aviation operations, with facilities for one 10-ton helicopter in the hangar and two 10-ton helicopters on the flight deck. These aviation facilities are sized to handle platforms similar to the Sikorsky Black Hawk and AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters. They will be fitted to accept a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid main gun on the foredeck, two Aselsan SMASH 30mm guns on the port and starboard sides, a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) such as the Rheinmetall Millennium Gun or Aselsan GOKDENIZ, and eight SAR 127 MT manually operated .50 caliber machine guns. Additional upgrades planned include the installation of a surface search radar, an air search radar, an electro-optical fire control system, an electronic warfare suite with four six-tube Terma C-Guard decoy launchers, and a hull-mounted sonar.

Construction of the first LPD began with the steel-cutting ceremony on August 10, 2023, followed by the keel laying for the second ship on January 22, 2024. A steel-cutting and keel laying ceremony for the fourth LPD was also held on May 29, 2024. Both ships are being built at PT PAL’s Surabaya facilities. Ship systems will include EID's Integrated Communications Control System (ICCS). Additional specifications call for increased internal space for vehicle operations, a 40-ton tank turntable, storage for missile and rocket rounds, and enhanced ship handling at sea states up to Sea State 6. The LPDs will also feature integrated replenishment-at-sea capabilities and improved maneuvering characteristics with bow thrusters.

Indonesia’s PT PAL has played a continuous role in the development of the Philippine Navy’s sealift and amphibious capabilities. After building and delivering the Tarlac-class ships, PT PAL is now constructing the two new 124-meter LPDs and has secured the contract for the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of the BRP Tarlac (LD-601), which arrived at PT PAL’s facilities on April 17, 2025. The MRO project includes work on the propulsion system, underwater maintenance, and valve systems, and is scheduled to last four months. This marks PT PAL’s first international MRO contract for a warship. PT PAL’s collaboration with the Philippine Navy is part of broader defense cooperation initiatives in Southeast Asia, and the company is simultaneously pursuing export opportunities in other regional markets, including Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.