3 Projects to Modernize the Assault Rifle Assets of the AFP; M16/M4 Series to Stay with Government Arsenal Improvements

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Department of National Defense (DND) is now embarking on modernizing its firearms assets which, like the entire AFP as a whole, needs to be updated and improved with the future in mind. MaxDefense will discuss the 3 separate programs of the DND to improve the firearms supplied to the AFP for the present and for the future. 

The AFP has been a long time user of the M16 rifle. Seen here are Philippine Army Scout Rangers during a recent parade in Manila.

Short Background - M16 Rifle in the AFP:

The AFP has been a longtime user of the 5.56mm M16 rifle which is based on Eugene Stoner's AR-15 design, with initial units coming in from US military excess stocks during the Vietnam War era. The AFP received the M16 and M16A1 variants from the US government, and the country was also allowed to produce a license copy of the M16A1 through Elisco Tool & Manufacturing Company. This would eventually be the source of M16A1 rifles for the majority of the AFP. The last batch of M16A1 rifles received from the US government was through a shipment of 30,000 M16A1 (enhanced) during the term of President Gloria Arroyo as a goodwill gesture from the US President George W. Bush. Aside from the AFP, all government armed agencies are recipients of M16s, majority also coming from the AFP.

Aside from the M16, the AFP also uses other variants of the AR-15 series, including the Colt's CAR-15 carbine, and the M4 carbine all which were sourced from the US. There were also modifications made by the AFP to the M16 to meet certain requirements like the Philippine Marine Corps' Marine Scout Sniper Rifle (MSSR) and the Night Fighting Weapons System (NFWS)

The PMC developed the Marine Scout Sniper Rifle through the guidance of Maj. Gen. Jonathan Martin, now the Government Arsenal Director.
Photo taken from Wikipedia.

1. New Remington R4 Rifles for the AFP:

Finally after a long wait, it is confirmed that American arms manufacturer Remington Arms Company LLC was indeed awarded a contract to supply 50,629 units of assault rifles based on the popular M4 carbine together with spare parts, training support, and accessories. The contract is worth Php 1,944,261,591.66, or almost 40% less than the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of Php 3,189,627,000.00, wherein Remington will be supplying their R4 carbine to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The rifles will then be distributed to the different branches of the AFP, probably majority to the Philippine Army (PA), and will arrive in several batches starting in 2014. Local company P.B. Dionisio and Company is the official local representative of Remington Arms in the Philippines, where it won over the bids coming from Colt Defense LLC, SIG Sauer Inc., and Manroy Defense Systems.

The Remington R4 is the company's version of the widely-used M4 carbine. This would be the next service rifle of the AFP, while older M16s will shoulder on after repairs and refurbishment.
Photo taken from Remington Defense website.

The rifles are meant to supplement and replace early models of the M16 and M16A1 rifle, which is the standard rifle of the entire AFP, majority of which were provided from ex-US military stocks since the 1970s, or were locally produced by the Elisco Tool Manufacturing Company. Many are already in poor condition and will need refurbishing or replacement, which is a separate program within the AFP Modernization Program. 

Product Overview:

The Remington R4 is a 5.56mm caliber rifle based on the proven Colt M4 and M16 series. It weighs around 7 lbs. and has a telescopic stock. It operates on a direct gas impingement and rotating bolt system, and has a rate of fire of between 700 to 950 rounds per minute and a maximum effective range of 600 meters. It has a barrel length of 14.5" with 6 Groove 1:7' right-hand twist that can fire the M855 (SS109) 62-grain ammunition being standardized in the AFP, although it can also fire the older 55-grain M193 ammunition. 

The R4 is capable of being fired in semi-automatic, full-automatic, or burst modes, and the rifle can use the Magpul P-Mag or the standard  GI-type magazines similar to what is already being used by the AFP for the M16 and M4 series. It is also compatible to most M16/M4 accessories and armorer equipment that is already with the AFP.

Members of the Philippine Army's Light Reaction Battalion being presented to President Aquino during an Army presentation of capability. The Philippine military is a major user of the M16 and M4 series rifles, being in service since the late 1960s. 

What's New with this Project?:

This specific procurement project has proven that the government can purchase quality assault rifles for a low price than most procurement projects in the past. For this project, each rifle costs at an average of Php 38,400, or around $869 (as of December 13, 2013 conversion). Previously it is normal for the AFP or all other armed agencies to get a standard rifle at past Php 70,000 price range. For example, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) got their M4 for Php107,000 each. With the amount saved on this project, there would be an additional Php 1 billion that can be used for other projects of the AFP Modernization Program.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) officers with their M4 carbines. PDEA reportedly paid Php107,000 for each of these M4, as compared to the Php38,400 paid by the AFP for their Remington R4. Very big difference and very scrupulous, isn't it? 

It also shows that the AFP will still see the M16/M4 rifle to shoulder on for the next 20-30 years as its rifle of choice considering the release of newer rifle designs in the world market. This saves the AFP on many factors, including the retraining of the end users (soldiers), armorers that maintain the rifles, and saving the accessories, machinery and other equipment bought by the AFP through the years to support and maintain the rifle type.


2. Repair & Updating of Old M16 Rifles by the Government Arsenal:

Another project that is being pushed by the DND and AFP is the refurbishing of existing M16 rifles, which many are out of service and defective after many years of use. The rifles may either be refurbished back to the original M16 The Government Arsenal (GA) is the primary government agency responsible for undertaking this project as they are, by right, the DND's official arms and ammunition manufacturer and armorer. And with their new capabilities they can now manufacture replacement and provide upgrades to the existing rifles besides repairing them back to top condition.

The photo above shows the condition of the M16s from the AFP before the refurbishing.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

The needed repair work depends on the actual condition of the rifles, a MaxDefense source said that all are in very poor condition, were damaged both internally and externally, with several missing parts, and majority are not even in firing condition and were only stored by the AFP after finding them as not usable. 



a. M16A1 (enhanced):

According to a post of GA Director Maj. Gen. Jonathan Martir (Ret) in his own Facebook account, the GA received spare parts enough for 8,000 M16A1 rifles from the former Logistics Command (LOGCOM) of the AFP provided by Elisco before they closed down a few decades ago, and through US Foreign Military Sales (FMS). GA also obtained the technical data package of the M16A1 from Elisco,  and several machines and armorer equipment related to the M16A1 repair works. These upgraded rifles are called the M16A1 (enhanced) which is similar to what was made by the US armed forces for their National Guard units. The refurbishing includes the use of a new standard 20-inch 1:12 groove barrel, and new internal parts including the firing pin. Aside from the barrel and internals, GA retained the A1 receivers after repairs, and uses the newer A2-type hand guards, pistol grip, and fixed stocks.

The photo above shows what the M16A1 look like after the GA refurbishing and upgrade, and are called the M16A1 (enhanced). It now resembles an M16A2 although A1 barrels and receivers were retained.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

Aside from the above described rifles, some were repaired and refurbished by GA according to the different requirements of the AFP.



b. M16 Dissipator:

Another upgrade version made by GA, called the M16 Dissipator and released on May 2013, uses a 16-inch long barrel with a 1:7 RH twist and chrome-lined chamber, installed with a GA-produced muzzle break, and addition of GA-produced enhanced trigger guard, tactical latch for charging handle, an ambidextrous safety selector, and a 1-point sling adapter. Buttstock can either be a Magpul adjustable type, or a A2 fixed buttstock although initial versions were produced with the Magpul adjustable type. 

A video feature of the rifle was also posted in GA's Facebook page. These updates will also be included in the M16A1 refurbishing program, and also for those to be converted to M4 carbine (14.5-inch barrel) standard.

Some of the M16A1s were refurbished to follow the proposed future service rifle of the AFP, with a 16-inch barrel in 1:7 RH twist groove and A2-type parts. Photo doesn't show the GA-manufactured muzzle break.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

GA's M16 "Dissipator" mode, a 16-inch barrel length version with enhanced features.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

The first batch of refurbished M16s in enhanced and 16-inch versions were turned-over to the AFP on December 2012, and it was projected that the GA can refurbish at around 500 rifles every month for 2013. Several batches were already handed over to the AFP on both the 20-inch M16A1 (enhanced) and 16-inch M16 Dissipator versions.

AFP officers checking out GA's refurbished rifles during the handover of the 1st batch on December 2012.
Photo taken from Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

Another batch of 490 M16A1 (enhanced) and 25 M16A1 Dissipators were handed-over to the AFP on May 2013.
Photo taken from Government Arsenal's Facebook page. 

c. M4 Carbine-type:

Another refurbishment followed the M4 carbine standard, which uses a 1:7 RH twist groove in a 14.5-inch long barrel and telescopic stock, although it retained the original A1-type receivers, including being a fully automatic model similar to the M4A1. It was also installed with the GA-developed muzzle break and cycle reducer. The cycle reducer brings down the rate of fire of the M4 from around 910rpm to 600rpm. The initial batch of these upgrades were made for the GA's own Security Force. 

GA's own Security Force were issued with M16A1 refurbished into M4A1 configuration, although it retained the A1-receivers. It also received GA's muzzle break and cycle reducer. A testament of GA's armorer capabilities.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

There are plans that once the spare parts taken from LOGCOM are all used up, GA will then turn to purchase new parts to further upgrade existing M16 rifles in the Philippine government. 

Several M16A1 rifles from the AFP have already undergone the refurbishing project, and this project is expected to continue and cover most of the AFP's old rifles. Besides the AFP, the other M16-equipped armed agencies can also avail of this program as prescribed by the government, which includes the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and others.



3. Production of Locally-made M16 and M4 Rifles by the Government Arsenal:

The third part of the AFP future rifle program is for GA to be self-sufficient in producing its own M16 derived firearms. Proposed by the GA is to use the 5.56mm 62-grain M855 (SS109) ammunition, which is now being produced by the GA as well. This is to improve on compatibility and inter-operability with the US armed forces, as well as to make use of the improvements from the development of the ammunition. The barrel will be made of chrome moly or stainless steel with a 1:7 right hand twist and chrome-lined chamber, and will be according to milspec. It will also have a semi and select fire options.

The GA 14.5" Recon/SOF 5.56mm rifle, as shown during one of the local gun shows in Manila.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal's Facebook page.

3 variants were proposed by the GA, with the following descriptions as described by GA Director Martir:

1. Service Rifle Model - this model will replace the M16A1 with the AFP, and is similar to the M16 Dissipator upgrade made by GA, as discussed a few paragraphs above. It will have a 16-inch standard contour barrel length with an A2-style rounded hand guards, the GA-produced muzzle break and bayonet sling, A2 front and upper receiver-installed rear sights and fixed carry handle, A2 fixed buttstock, and provisions for grenade launcher. 
2. Recon/SOF Model - this model follows the M4 being used by most Special Operation Forces of Western armed forces, and will be used in the same way as the Philippines' counterparts. It will have a 14.5-inch standard contour barrel length, Picatinny rail and rail adapter system with milspec rail spaces,  flattop upper receiver with fixed cartridge case deflector, detachable carry handle, flip-up front sights, M4 4-position telescopic buttstock, and is capable of accepting SOPMOD accessories and grenade launcher. 
3. DMR/SPR Model - a designated marksman or special purpose rifle following the lines of the Philippine Marine Corps' MSSR rifle, filing the gap between the regular infantryman and a sniper. It would have an effective range of up to 800 meters with optics. It will have an 18-inch bull free-floated barrel with an A2 standard flash suppressor, folding front and rear sights, Picatinny rail and flattop upper receiver, a special buttstock design as determined.

The 3 proposed 5.56mm rifle types of the GA based on the M16 series. From left to right: The 14.5" Recon/SOF model, the 18" DMR/SPR model, and the 16" Service Rifle model.
Photo taken from the Government Arsenal Facebook page.

With these 3 separate projects, we can see improvements on the service firearms of the AFP, and possibly of all other major armed agencies of the Philippine government. The most simple reason holds the key to this decision: practicality. Unlike Thailand and Singapore which shifted from the M16 to the Tavor and SAR-21, respectively, the AFP is not in an advantageous situation in skill, infrastructure and financial reasons to jump away from a proven platform. 

The AFP is already a longtime user of the M16 series, and has invested heavily on the rifle type since the late 1960s. Its personnel started and ended their careers with mastering the M16, its armorer's skills and equipment already in place, and with thousands of accessories and upgradable parts available in the market and within production capability of the GA, plus the unquestionable and proven capability of the rifle vis-a-vis its modern competitors has proven that the M16 series will stay for a considerable time in the future as a weapon of choice not only by the Philippines but also with the rest of the world.

A Philippine Marine Corps infantryman getting hands-on learning on the M16A4 used by the US Marines. Like the US, the Philippines will see the M16 series as part of its armed forces for several more decades to come.
Photo taken from the Marine Corps Times website.

MaxDefense believes that this decision by the DND, GA and the AFP is a wise one, and must be given importance as this is the most basic weapon of the entire modernization program. 3 different firearm programs, all into improving the AFP's infantrymen's capability and giving the best weapon the Republic has to offer to its soldiers. 





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UPDATES:
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June 24, 2014:

The Philippine Army is scheduled to receive the initial batch of Remington R4 carbine from the USA by July 2014. The first 27,000 units are said to be immediately sent to front line army units, MaxDefense believes that the first units to receive are the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and units under the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). SOCOM may already have familiarity with the rifle, being similar to their existing M4 carbine. 



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July 17, 2014:

A speech of Pres. Benigno Aquino III during the opening of Asian Defense and Security (ADAS) Exhibition 2014 confirmed that aside from the initial order of 50,629 units of Remington R4 carbine ordered by the Army, it has added another 12,657 units using some of the budget saved from the tender. This brings the total order to 63,286 units.