Singapore plans multiple rocket launcher, IFV acquisitions

Orcishwarrior SG

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.

ditzy SG

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

mr_sotong SG

wonderamazement SG

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

ditzy SG

They should, its a hell lot easier to maintain. Laughing

lionnoisy SG

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

gary1910 SG

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.

Arapahoe SG

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 ?

storywolf SG

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.

LazerLordz SG

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

Arapahoe SG

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

LazerLordz SG

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?

Arapahoe SG

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. Mr. Green

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

chino65 SG

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.

LazerLordz SG

I would agree.

This smells like upgrading the infantry to fully mechanized?

|-|05| SG

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.

Fingolfin_Noldor SG

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. Very Happy

sgf SG

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

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

spartan6 SG

E launcher is HIMAS but not e vehicle