Philippine Navy Enhances Landing Ships with SAR 127 MT Guns
**The Philippine Navy is set to enhance its fleet of landing ships with state-of-the-art SAR 127 MT machine guns, marking a significant upgrade in their maritime capabilities.** A recent contract has been finalized with the Turkish defense firm Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş. to procure 16 units of these advanced 12.7 mm heavy machine guns. This development is part of a broader initiative to reinforce the Navy’s operational readiness and effectiveness in various missions.
The contract, valued at approximately 35.6 million Philippine Pesos (around 640,917 USD), was awarded following a competitive public bidding process in accordance with Republic Act 9184. The new landing ships, currently under construction at the PT PAL shipyard in Indonesia, are part of the Philippines’ Landing Ships Procurement Project, which falls under the second phase of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, known as Horizon 2.
Scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027, these landing ships are designed to execute multiple roles, including amphibious operations, logistical support, and humanitarian assistance missions. The integration of the SAR 127 MT machine guns will enhance their combat effectiveness, particularly in joint operations and disaster response scenarios.
The SAR 127 MT, chosen for its impressive specifications, utilizes 12.7×99 mm NATO ammunition, providing significant firepower. It offers flexible operating modes, functioning in both fully automatic and semi-automatic settings. With a formidable firing rate of 500 to 600 rounds per minute, the weapon’s effective range extends to 1,830 meters, while it can reach targets up to 6,800 meters away.
Designed for versatility, the SAR 127 MT can accommodate both M9 linked ammunition and offers options for right or left feeding. Its construction includes an eight-groove barrel with a right-hand twist and a twist rate of 381 mm, ensuring reliable performance on the battlefield.
Weighing approximately 38 kg, the SAR 127 MT features a total length of 1,655 mm, with a barrel measuring 1,144 mm. Its stellite-coated barrel is easily interchangeable, highlighting its suitability for both mounted and infantry use. Additionally, its design is compatible with targeting aerial threats, making it a formidable asset for the Philippine Navy.
