Philippine Army to Field Thousands of DSAR-15 5.56mm Carbines
The Philippine Army has awarded a contract to South Korea’s Dasan Machineries Co. Ltd. to supply 15,626 DSAR-15 5.56x45mm carbines, a move that nearly doubles the original rifle requirement and expands the service’s standard infantry weapons inventory.
The contract, valued at about Php752 million (about $12.7 million), was secured through a public tender evaluated under the Most Economically Advantageous Bid method, which weighed cost against delivery schedule and warranty terms. The final quantity remains under the approved budget ceiling of Php806.9 million.
Contract and Procurement Details
The public tender, opened in October 2025, initially called for 8,234 carbines but concluded with a delivery order for 15,626 units. The award was formalized in late 2025 with Dasan Machineries selected ahead of competitors including Brazil’s Taurus Armas and a joint Nashe/Mertsav bid.
Funding for the purchase was drawn from the Philippine Army’s General Appropriations Act allocations for Fiscal Year 2024 despite execution in 2025, a step taken to ensure funds would not lapse.
DSAR-15 Platform Overview
The DSAR-15 family is a 5.56x45mm NATO carbine series built on a conventional AR-15 platform with aluminum receivers and a rotating bolt. Variants include a standard direct gas impingement model and others with short-stroke gas piston systems. The rifles are compatible with STANAG 30-round magazines and support a range of barrel lengths for varied roles.
Typical performance figures indicate effective ranges up to 500–550 meters and unloaded weights near 3.0 kg, depending on configuration. Rails for optics and accessories are standard, simplifying integration with existing Philippine Army gear and training.
The platform benefits from established use within Philippine forces, with the Philippine National Police having received thousands of DSAR-15 rifles in earlier procurements.
Broader Context
This procurement follows broader Philippine efforts to modernize its armed forces, drawing on South Korean defense industry products in recent years. Manila has previously acquired South Korean combat aircraft and other military equipment as part of capability upgrades.
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