Singapore plans multiple rocket launcher, IFV acquisitions

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Ramjetmissile

New Member
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.
 
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Red

New Member
The SAF already posseses a huge array of 155mm 52 cal and 39 cal tube artillery(self-propelled artillery systems, howitzers, air-transportable howitzers, etc). Much more than any of her immediate neighbours.

Hence, I doubt Singapore will be using the MLRS as yet another artillery weapon. Rather, these MLRS would most likely be fitted with long range precision guided rockets like the GMRLS(>70 km), ATACMs(300km), Israeli LORA(>200 km), etc for long range precision strikes.

It makes perfect sense and very much fits Singapore`s next generation force which emphasizes precision strikes. But these would probably not be revealed officially and the press release would probably state the usual M26 rockets.
 
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Red

New Member
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.
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A second batch of 36 2A4s were purchased recently plus spares as well. It ought to be 66 + 30 spares + 36 + ? spares. Hence, the SAF has about <160 2A4 tanks currently and at least 132 2A4 tanks.

Im not certain about this. But it would appear from several army folks that the 2A4 tanks and spares will be upgraded to the A6 standard or some Singaporean derivative. In some ways, this has already begun with the installation of the home-made Battlefield Management System on the 2A4 tanks. It is also similar to many other equipments which the SAF has upgraded and out-fitted indigeneously.

It is also highly likely that the SAF would get another batch of 2A4 tanks.
 
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Waylander

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
I would not wonder if there are points in the contract with KMW and Rheinmetall which say that both companies at least have to be integrated partially into any upgrade programes done to the Leos.
Upgrades and spares are the fields were those companies do their money with.

@gary
Thanks for the infos and the pic. :)
 
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kato

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
Waylander said:
I would not wonder if there are points in the contract with KMW and Rheinmetall which say that both companies at least have to be integrated partially into any upgrade programes done to the Leos.
Upgrades and spares are the fields were those companies do their money with.
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KMW has that in almost all their contracts, i'd think. Just consider how many foreign Leo2 get their refits done in Germany, not anywhere else.

Though with Singapore being rather far away, i'd presume that KMW e.g. gets the upgrade deal and then finds local subcontractors, except for really big stuff (like a full 2A6 upgrade or something like that).
 
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Red

New Member
Quite possibly a joint agreement with Singapore Technologies for licensed upgrades to the 2A4s. Singapore Technologies has quite a number of such agreements. I do not think they will transport the 2A4s back to Germany for upgrades. The current 2A4 tanks are viewed by the SAF as `baseline'(in the words of the defence minister) tanks for them to improve upon.
 
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Waylander

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
kato said:
KMW has that in almost all their contracts, i'd think. Just consider how many foreign Leo2 get their refits done in Germany, not anywhere else.

Though with Singapore being rather far away, i'd presume that KMW e.g. gets the upgrade deal and then finds local subcontractors, except for really big stuff (like a full 2A6 upgrade or something like that).
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Exactly what I was thinking. :)

And that an A4 is just a baseline tank these days is a given fact.

Happily for every new A4 customer Rheinmetall and KMW offer a wide range of possible upgrades already implemented.
 
K

kato

The Bunker Group
Verified Defense Pro
weasel1962 said:
The M270 MLRS would be a quantum boost to anyone's ground combat capabilities.
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Depends, especially when we're not taking about GMLRS. Not if you're already using one of the dozen competitors with similar stats (like Smerch-M, Uragan, Astros, Type 83, A-100).
 
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gary1910

New Member
If you look at what UAE order which include M30/31 GMLRS, ATACMS Blk 1A DPICM/Unitary, SG getting at least GMLRS is not really very far fetched.

Secondly, we could secretly get from Israel GPS guided EXTRA munition which could be incorporated onto MLRS/HIMARS launchers.

Long time ago, there was a rumour that we did look at US MLRS, but at that time , there is no LR guided munition then, so it may not be as attractive.

But now, MLRS with guided munition give it a land based precision strike capability, which is very attractive, perhaps why we are looking at buying those expensive MLRS again.
 
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Waylander

Defense Professional
Verified Defense Pro
Modern SPHs are networked in a similar way.

But I totally agree that it boostes Singapores artillery capabilities.
 
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Manfred2

New Member
I'm sorry if this seems out of place, but I am missing something here-

That is a LOT of Leos, and MRLS's are for massive battles, not sniping at intruders. Is Singapore worried about invasion from Malaya or Indonesia? Neither nation is one I would want for a neighbor, but have they made any threats?

I have been to Singapore, a very nice place, but flat and kinda small to deploy hundreds of tanks and MRLS. Have they invested in fixed defenses at all?
{yeah, I know that didn't help in the past, but it was not much in the first place; three 15" guns, two 9.2" and a few 6" guns. Also- the purpose of fortifications is to hold the enemy by the nose while you use your manuver elements to break his legs}

Once again, sorry to be remiss in current events, but this is a lot of hardware in this day and age.
 
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Ramjetmissile

New Member
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
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it could be due to singapore defence doctrine. All battles must be fought in enemy soil.

Anyway Singapore arent as small as one think it is... .from one end of singapore to the other still takes an hour and half train ride.:D Besides singapore is a largely a flat land which also means virtually all her territory can be used.Places i.e. HK thou they are slightly bigger than Singapore but @ least 1/2 of the land are high altitude

Singapore has been a punching bag for political and domestic problems faced by her neighbours. In some extend conflict of interests, singapore need the capable military to back their leaders.
 
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gary1910

New Member
Manfred2 said:
I'm sorry if this seems out of place, but I am missing something here-

That is a LOT of Leos, and MRLS's are for massive battles, not sniping at intruders. Is Singapore worried about invasion from Malaya or Indonesia? Neither nation is one I would want for a neighbor, but have they made any threats?

I have been to Singapore, a very nice place, but flat and kinda small to deploy hundreds of tanks and MRLS. Have they invested in fixed defenses at all?
{yeah, I know that didn't help in the past, but it was not much in the first place; three 15" guns, two 9.2" and a few 6" guns. Also- the purpose of fortifications is to hold the enemy by the nose while you use your manuver elements to break his legs}

Once again, sorry to be remiss in current events, but this is a lot of hardware in this day and age.
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Here a summary:
Air defence
For air defence, SG could boost one of the world most densely protected airspace of a size just below 700 sq km.

1st layer will be the fighters, which is abt 60 F-16 Blk52/52+, 40+ upgraded BVR capable F-5S/T and soon 12 AESA equipped F-15SG, that is abt the same size of MY and Indon AF combined.

2nd layer will be the 2 batt of the recently upgraded medium range Improved Hawk.

3rd layer will be VSHORADs Rapier with Mk II missile, support with a large number of RBS-70s, Mistral and Igla MANPADS.

Last but not least is the 35mm Oerlikon AAA.

Radars:4 LORADS II, FPS-117s, Blindfire , P-Star etc.

AEW: 4 E-2C and soon to be replaced by 4 G550 AEW.

AH: 20 AH-64D , some with Longbow radar.

UAV: Searcher MkII and Hermes 500.

Currently, we are also looking at TBM defences, especially with introduction China C-802 and possible Brahmos into the region.

Land defence

Other than the 3 Combined Arms Div(2 infantry Bde and 1 light armoured Bde), 1 RDF(air assualt and amphibious bdes) and possible one heavy armoured bde.

We have for protection of SG is the People's Defence Force which is at least abt 2 Div strength, supported with ASU with V200 APC and possibly 155mm arty formed by reserve units.

Naval defence
6 Stealth FFGs to replace 6 MGB, 6 missile corvettes, 11 patrol crafts. 4 SSK with additional of 2 AIP SSK in the near future, 4 LSTs and lastly 5 Harpoon equipped Fokker 50MPA.
 
A

Aussie Digger

Guest
Ramjetmissile said:
it could be due to singapore defence doctrine. All battles must be fought in enemy soil.

Anyway Singapore arent as small as one think it is... .from one end of singapore to the other still takes an hour and half train ride.:D Besides singapore is a largely a flat land which also means virtually all her territory can be used.Places i.e. HK thou they are slightly bigger than Singapore but @ least 1/2 of the land are high altitude

Singapore has been a punching bag for political and domestic problems faced by her neighbours. In some extend conflict of interests, singapore need the capable military to back their leaders.
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An hour and a half train ride and I'm barely out of Brisbane... :eek:nfloorl:
 
S

swerve

Super Moderator
Ramjetmissile said:
i...
Anyway Singapore arent as small as one think it is... .from one end of singapore to the other still takes an hour and half train ride.:D ....
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That's a slooooowwww train . . . . . Given a clear road, I could cycle from one end of Singapore to the other in that time. :D

The TGV Paris-Lille does 8 times the distance in 1 hour 8 minutes.
 
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