PMC Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) acquisition project

[girder]

Awarded to Turkish company, System Defense, which seems to have offered it's MFR56 light machine gun. (Apparently a clone of the ARES Shrike/Fightlite MCR.)





References:
Invitation to Bid, 19 Jul 2021

Notice to Proceed, 20 Sept. 2022

MFR56 (Closed Bolt Version) Brochure

MFR56 Brochure

System Defense Rifle products brochure

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[IDEF 2021] Turkish Company System Defence Presents New MFR 56 Light Machine Gun
September 3, 2021

At the IDEF 2021, System Defence showcased the family of light machine guns, based on the AR-15 lower receiver. Their new dual-feed LMG is called MFR 56 (MFR stands for Multi Funtional Rifle). MFR 56 is chambered in 5.56 and feeds from an M27 belt (used in FN Minimi/M249, HK21, and the Negev machineguns among others) or STANAG magazines. It weighs just 4.2 kg (9.35 lbs), unloaded, and 4.8 kg (10.5) loaded, which makes it significantly lighter, compared to most light machine guns on the market.

There are three versions of MFR 56 LMG. The first one is a classic open bolt design, typical for belt-fed machineguns (pictured above). This version has controls similar to M249, with a cross-bolt safety.

The second one is closed-bolt, since certain countries restrict open-bolt weapons, and also closed bolt machineguns are generally considered to be slightly more accurate. This version has a standard M16 selector, with safe, semi, and full-auto positions.

The third version is closed bolt and semi-automatic in order to comply with the various restrictions for civilian market sales.

All versions feature a quick-change barrel – the lever used to detach the barrel is located on the top of the receiver. According to the information provided by the manufacturer, the 16.2 inches (412 mm) barrel is hammer forged and has a 1/7 twist rate. The charging handle is on the right side of the receiver.

The company also offers an upper receiver that is compatible with standard AR-15 lowers.

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MFR56 Selected For Philippine Marine Corps’ New SAW
Jul 12, 2022

The Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) is expecting a delivery of MFR56 5.56 mm caliber Squad Automatic Weapons (SAW) made by System Defence of Turkiye in the next few weeks. The contract for 160 units was signed last week on Monday (4 July) although its value has yet to be revealed.

In 2021, the Philippine Navy (PN) outlined its requirements for a new SAW to replace older FN Minimi and M60E3/E4 light machine guns in the PMC inventory. Notable among the required specifications are the 5.56 mm x 45 mm caliber, a dual-feed system with a 30-round standard magazine or a high capacity 200-round box magazine, a quick-change barrel, and an overall weight not exceeding 8.16 kg.

Aside from the offer by the Turkish company, the Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Negev NG5 and Singapore’s ST Kinetic Ultimax 100 were also listed among the candidates in the acquisition program.

I doubt the Marines will be replacing the M60E4/E6 GPMGs in service, but the Minimis were always too few in number to properly equip the PMC.