Singapore plans multiple rocket launcher, IFV acquisitions
Robert Karniol JDW Asia-Pacific Bureau Chief
Bangkok

Key Points
Singapore is seeking to acquire its first multiple rocket system and first wheeled IFV

The Singapore Army is enhancing its firepower and mobility capabilities with the planned acquisition of its first multiple rocket launcher (MRL) and its first wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV).

The MRL requirement is for 18 systems, with the request for proposals currently in progress. First deliveries are expected in about 18 months.

Contenders for the contract remain unclear, but sources told Jane's that talks on the programme are under way with the US. This suggests that potential candidates include the 227 mm Multiple Launch Rocket System and the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System, both from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

The IFV programme is aimed to equip three battalions, with initial deliveries expected around the end of 2008. The locally developed Singapore Technologies (ST) Kinetics 8 x 8 Terrex AV81 IFV is among several platforms under consideration; other options remain unknown.

The army most recently upgraded its artillery with the introduction of ST Kinetics' Pegasus 155 mm/39 calibre Singapore Lightweight Howitzer, unveiled in late 2005. This supplemented the ST Kinetics Primus 155 mm/39 calibre self-propelled artillery system that was revealed two years earlier.

The wheeled IFV would complement two tracked platforms in current service: the ST Kinetics Bionix IFV, operationally deployed since 1999; and the older Giat Industries AMX-10P infantry combat vehicle.

The Singapore Army will further bolster its capabilities with deliveries, due to start in mid-2008, of 66 ex-German Armed Forces Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Leopard 2A4 main battle tanks, together with an additional 30 platforms earmarked as spares. These are intended to replace AMX-13 light tanks.

The planned acquisitions are linked to a broader force modernisation programme currently in progress and dubbed the third-generation Singapore Armed Forces.

Oh, so that's where the extra 2% goes.

I think they’ll be going for a wheeled one…

They should, its a hell lot easier to maintain.

MY got MRL for some times.This MY 6 launchers appear recently in their
army magazines .

Originally posted by lionnoisy:

MY got MRL for some times.This MY 6 launchers appear recently in their
army magazines .

Astro II unguided rocket is now considered as obsolete, high CEP, it is tactically useless at above 40km( as stated by Russian Military scientist), just look at Hizboallah's unguided rocket against Israel , nothing strategically impt was hit even after thousands of rockets.

Here what I have posted earliar and you will understand the latest trend for the new role of LR GPS guided rocket/missile system:

My guess is if it is true that SAF is getting MLRS, it will not be used as in traditional arty role but as a land based strategic precision strike using LR GPS guided missiles as in US ATACMS or Israeli EXTRA.

Read this for the future of MLRS:

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=1077112&C=landwar

Not as traditonal arty pieces especially those using unguided rockets as even the US army has already stop buying unguided rocket but going for LR GMLRS and ATACMS.

Here the quote:

In January 2006, the U.S. Army announced that the majority of (possibly all?) future purchases of tactical MLRS rockets will be M31s with unitary warhead. ( i.e. GPS guided, single warhead)

http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/mlrs.html

Here another quote:

The US Army is currently working on developing and fielding unitary (one large warhead instead of submunitions) rocket and ATACMS variants, as well as a guided rocket.

MLRS has recently been upgraded with guided rounds. Phase I testing of a guided unitary round (XM31) was completed on an accelerated schedule in March 2006. Due to an Urgent Need Statement the guided unitary round has already been fielded and used in action in Iraq.[1] Lockheed Martin also received a contract to convert existing M30 DPICM GMLRS rockets to the XM31 unitary variant

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M270_Multiple_Launch_Rocket_System

So from the above, US is not going for any unguided rocket like the M26 but all single warhead GPS guided GMLRS and ATACMS, I believe SAF is going toward the same direction.

this is just an observation i notice that the hardwares that SAF recently procure are taking deliveries either end of 2008 or within the following year. Is it just that deliveries are more efficient ?

Originally posted by wonderamazement:

I think they'll be going for a wheeled one...

More logical is the tracked on based on SAF trend in arty ... with Primus tracked so they can keep with with armour forces, I would say - they more likely to want to deploy it with primus with armour forces also.

Also these are value assets, with tracked version - there is some armour protected against counter arty, thus tracked version is more likely.

Originally posted by Arapahoe:

this is just an observation i notice that the hardwares that SAF recently procure are taking deliveries either end of 2008 or within the following year. Is it just that deliveries are more efficient ?

Maybe they're already here, or they are buying equipment which is on storage at the moment and less prep time is needed.

Originally posted by LazerLordz:

Maybe they're already here, or they are buying equipment which is on storage at the moment and less prep time is needed.

or did they forsee something we don't? It is a lot of fire power within a very short period of time.

Originally posted by Arapahoe:

or did they forsee something we don't? It is a lot of fire power within a very short period of time.

Question is, our neighbours are buying similar equipment. Are they seeing something as well?

Don't you feel that the current ASEAN arms purchase has been gearing towards long-range surveillance and forward defense by us and our neighbouring states?

Originally posted by LazerLordz:

Question is, our neighbours are buying similar equipment. Are they seeing something as well?

Don't you feel that the current ASEAN arms purchase has been gearing towards long-range surveillance and forward defense by us and our neighbouring states?

yes even Australia are projecting its Naval asset, and SAF is now more mobile than ever. Fire power has reach a level where we never been before in combine arms. while i understand fire power will have to be in place at the same time to be effective including 3G. All we need is a transport plane to go places.

Just wonder if our ministers/citizens understand the responsibilities that come with power.

More logical is the tracked on based on SAF trend in arty ... with Primus tracked so they can keep with with armour forces, I would say - they more likely to want to deploy it with primus with armour forces also.

Also these are value assets, with tracked version - there is some armour protected against counter arty, thus tracked version is more likely.

We already have enough tracked assets that are part of the "heavy" forces that include the Leo.

If we are getting wheels, it is because there is now a need for another kind of force that is lighter and faster.

One doesn't replace the other.

Originally posted by chino65:

We already have enough tracked assets that are part of the "heavy" forces that include the Leo.

If we are getting wheels, it is because there is now a need for another kind of force that is lighter and faster.

One doesn't replace the other.

I would agree.

This smells like upgrading the infantry to fully mechanized?

Originally posted by LazerLordz:

I would agree.

This smells like upgrading the infantry to fully mechanized?

4SIR is already being mechanized or shld i say they are testing out the mechanization of infantry with 4SIR.So i guess the requirement will be to fully mechanize our troops.
As for the MRLS......ive heard frm my arty friends that they already have a missile platoon or something like that in his Bn.He said only recently declassified leh i dunno if it's surface to surface or surface to air but since he is frm arty i'm thinking surface to surface.Maybe his unit was trialing them out.Hence us being able to get the systems in so quickly.

Originally posted by LazerLordz:

I would agree.

This smells like upgrading the infantry to fully mechanized?

They have to. These days, everything is combined arms war, and infantry need added mobility to keep up with heavy armour to serve as escort and to help encircle the enemy and to pin the enemy down.

Tank guns have their limitations when fighting infantry.

As for MLRS, it's hell about time. We need long range striking capability with added precision. One can't rely on air power all the time.

Looks like a whole chockful of toys on display during the next mobile column.

So how does either option from Lockheed compare to the North's MLRS?

E launcher is HIMAS but not e vehicle

Does it mean that SAF will have new artillery unit ?

damn i want to join arty.

Looks like SG will be buying lots of toys. Real increase in firepower in a short time span.

4SIR's training in Alaska with the Stryker brigade is already a mega hint of a future mechanised infantry.

MLRS is another mile stone for SAF.

When the first 155 self propel Artillery row into 20SA I was at Charles battery line. Looking at the pcs of equipment it was like “Wow” remote control knot, gunners are smiling because presumably they will have easier life in the field.

The gun was sent to Thailand for test fire. After 3 months it came back all the knot gone missing.

sigh…not long time ago we bang the malay for having the astross….i wonder how hard they will laugh when they hear this news…

Astro II unguided rocket is now considered as obsolete, high CEP, it is tactically useless at above 40km( as stated by Russian Military scientist), just look at Hizboallah's unguided rocket against Israel , nothing strategically impt was hit even after thousands of rockets.

can compare the astross with katyusha meh?

More Firepower For Malaysian Army
18/06/2007 - TEMPUR JUN 2007

The Malaysian Army’s Royal Artillery Regiment (RAD) will, by 2009, be able to raise its second Battalion equipped with the ‘Keris’ Astros 2 (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), thanks to the Ministry of Finance recently giving the green light to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to conclude contractual negotiations with the original equipment manufacturer Avibras Aerospacial SA of Brazil. The Gemas-based 51st Battalion of the RAD, known as 51 RAD (and attached to the Malacca-based 3 Division), is currently equipped with 18 ‘Keris’ Astros 2 MLRS launchers that were ordered in November 2000 and delivered 20 months later. The contract, worth RM791.92 million, included the supply of 1,000 SS-30 30km-range rockets, 224 SS-60 60km-range rockets, 576 SS-80 80km-range rockets along with SS-09 training rockets. The to-be-inked contract for equipping the new Battalion—52 RAD—is valued at RM950 million. The Astros 2 MLRS includes a fleet of vehicles comprising the Universal Multiple Launcher (AV-LMU) capable of firing five kinds of rockets with different calibers and diameters; Ammunition Supply Vehicle (AV-RMD) for resupplying the AV-LMU and carrying two complete loads for each launcher; Avibras AV-VBL (Viaturas Blindadas Leves) 4 x 4 light armoured vehicles using the command and control vehicle/fire-control system (AV-VCC) to provide the Battalion-level command with coordination and direction of firing missions for up to 3 Astros 2 Batteries; Mobile Workshops for electronic and mechanic field maintenance of the system; and an Electronic Fire-Control Unit (AV-UCF) for facilitating the procedures of fire direction using a tracking radar and ballistics computer. A typical Astros 2 Battery configuration comprises six AV-LMU Universal Multiple Launchers, six AV-RMD Ammunition Supply Vehicles together with an AV-UCF Fire Control Unit. The AV-VCC Command and Control Vehicle/Fire-Control Unit together with two mobile workshop vehicles are stationed at the Battalion headquarters. The 127mm SS-30 rocket can be loaded with 32 rounds per launcher and has a range between 9km and 30km. The 300mm SS-60 and SS-80 rockets can be loaded with four rounds per launcher, and has a range between 20km and 80km.

The Malaysian Army currently has 16 artillery Regiments (medium field artillery and air defence), each with three Batteries. While 10 Regiments are equipped with 105mm pack howitzers, two Regiments—Gemas-based 21 and 22 RAD—are equipped with 28 DENEL/LIW-built 155mm/45-calibre G-5 Mk2000 towed howitzers and 12 BAE Systems-built FH-70 155mm 39-calibre towed howitzers. Future plans call for re-equipping two existing artillery Regiments with truck-mounted, lightweight, motorised 155mm/52-calibre howitzers. Systems already believed top have been offered include BAE Systems/SWS Defence’s FH-77BWL52 Archer...