The Philippine Marines are getting an upgrade in their battle gear with the announcement that they have chosen the Fusion System by Marom-Dolphin according to Soldier System.  This is a patented advanced modular carrying system that consists of a a tactical duty belt, a protective vest and a full-sized backpack.

The Fusion System is a scalable combat system with its own carrier skeletal frame for stability in carrying the backpack designed for it. The company says the design is based of combat system and can be configured to meet the requirements of different missions. If under fire or in an engagement, the Carrier Skeleton System can be quickly released for better freedom of movement.

These are the components of the Fusion System according to the company’s website:

Tactical Belt Wide - for optimum comfort with full-length MOLLE straps - high performance nylon fabric construction, abrasion and fire resistant. The belt incorporates the carrier skeleton attachment, for optimal weight-bearing and freedom of movement of the operator - it also features a quick-release system. It can be used stand-alone - on patrol for example - carrying bare essentials (with tactical pockets attached to the MOLLE straps).

Carrier Skeleton : Attached to the belt and shoulders via its harness, completely autonomous from the bag it allows to carry, it is equipped with 2 side water pockets (which can be used alone if necessary) and water distribution hose as well as a radio compartment (at combat group level). A textile compartment allows the integration of a ballistic plate to ensure the protection of the operator's back and spine. Its design ensures (truly) exceptional freedom of movement, in urban areas as well as in the mountains, during firing or resting periods. The sides that join the front panel are MOLLE equipped.

Front Tactical Panel : It completes the combat vest (consisting of the carrier skeleton and the front panel) with a quick-release system - which allows for combat readiness or access to the operator's torso in case of a medical emergency. MOLLE is installed on the entire surface. The front compartment allows the addition of a ballistic plate - for 360° protection once the ballistic plate of the carrier skeleton is installed.

High Capacity Tactical Bag With a capacity of 60 liters, a central compartment top and bottom access, allows to quickly retrieve just what you need. 2 side pockets (removable, depending on your tactical configuration), made (like the whole FUSION system) of ultra-resistant nylon fabric. Ideal for outdoor missions or hiking, enough to carry at least a week's worth of survival gear. The bag separates from the carrying skeleton in a second via the detachment system integrated into the tactical belt. Its configuration ensures optimal weight distribution, lack of a harness allows for full freedom of movement, and comfort is exceptional even with the maximum load.

Marom-Dolphin will be supplying the Fusion System to the Philippine Marines using the digital camo pattern the Philippine Marines have been using since 2008 and believed to be developed in China with the initial textile also supplied from China.

The Israel-based company already has some track record in supplying gear to the Philippine Marines. In August 2020, the company won the bid in supplying the Philippine Navy’s Marine Corps units helmets and body armor worth US$10.5 million.

Top photo: Philippine MARSOG in action during MAREX 2022 (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jennessa Davey)