Title: Singapore Weapons Exports
Description: Article: International Defense Revie
Description: Article: International Defense Revie
Orcishwarrior - May 7, 2005 06:36 PM (GMT)
JANES
AN ARTICLE FROM INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE REVIEW MAY 01, 2005
Singapore's defense industry builds on a tough-minded approach to procurement
By Mark Daly
Singapore spends by far the largest single part of its national budget on defense - between 4.5 per cent and five per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent years - with the government committed to spending up to six per cent, according to figures given to the parliament in March this year (2005). In 2004, the figure was estimated by one source to be 5.27 per cent of GDP, equivalent to US$5.03 billion. Unofficial estimates put defense spending at as much as 27-29 per cent of the overall national spending each year since 2001. SIPRI, the Stockholm International Peace Institute, gives US$4.733 billion as the defense spend for 2003.
As a wealthy and stable nation, Singapore can justify a national defense industry for carefully selected systems and self-sufficiency in key areas, but at the same time, the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) follows a strict policy of 'best sourcing'. There has been no move to produce anything approaching an across-the-board strategic industrial capability, and neither MINDEF nor its agency organization DSTA (Defense Science and Technology Agency) would attempt to do so merely for reasons of prestige.
Since the establishment of the Future Systems Directorate in February 2003, which plays an integral part of the Singapore Armed Forces strategy for force transformation, Singapore has an agency that conducts experiments, which will have a powerful interest in future, technologies, which are seen as key enablers for superior fighting concepts.
Singapore's leading defense industries are all grouped within Singapore Technologies Engineering Group (ST Engg), which is 57 per cent state-owned. The latest figures released in March show a turnover for fiscal year 2004 of S$2.9 billion (US$I.7 billion). All companies in the group handle both defense and civil work, and the latest annual report says that commercial contributions overtook revenues from the defense sector for the first time in 2004, amounting to 51 per cent of total revenues (compared to 45 per cent in 2003). The company has 11,600 employees globally.
One ST Engg executive tells IDR: "We have reached a stage where we do not mind investing beyond Singapore's own needs," but defense programmes are still largely generated by the requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces. ST Engg has more than 100 subsidiaries and associated companies. A handful of other Singapore-based companies base defense interests, mostly as suppliers to ST Engg.
Making the grade
An example of the tough-minded approach to procurement can be seen in the current fighter procurement competition to choose between the F-15, Rafale and Typhoon. Offsets to local industry will not influence the selection, according to the president of ST Aerospace. The company plays an advisory role in the selection. Offsets are not considered a leading element of any Singaporean offshore selection. MINDEF says that this approach and transparent processes give Singapore a reputation as a 'reference
Customer’, which carries particular weight, in the case of the fighter competition, with other air forces and the aerospace industry.
Geographical and manpower constraints also have a powerful influence on Singapore's industry. In March this year, a government minister gave parliament the example of how air grading for prospective aircrew is outsourced to Tamworth in Australia, with the MINDEF neither owning nor maintaining training aircraft.
A zero-growth policy in military manpower has been in effect for nearly 20 years, largely influenced by Singapore's low birth rate. This, in turn, has influenced development of systems such as the ST Primus 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, which requires a crew of only four conscripts. MINDEF claims a three-fold increase in manpower productivity for artillery over the past 10 years, also citing the locally made FH2000, which reduced the manning for a 155 mm system from 12 to eight men. The need to achieve lower manning levels has influenced naval programmes such as the Endurance-class LSTs.
ST Marine, which has yards at Benoi and Tuas (and, by acquisition ofVT Halter, in the US), is working on six stealth frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). These are being built in collaboration with DCN International of France based on the La Fayette class, but with significant changes and known as the Formidable class.
The first vessel, built in France, is now fitting out, and in the covered assembly sheds at its main yard at Benoi, hulls four and five are in various stages of construction. Components exist for the final vessel in class, which is scheduled to launch in 2008.
The second vessel, Intrepid, was launched in July 2004, and the third, Steadfast, was launched in January this year. Complement is 71, with a high level of automation. The final vessel in the class will launch in 2008 and commission in 2009. The combat management system was developed indigenously by the DSTA, and runs from Standard Operating Common Consoles supplied by the ST Electronics company SES. The Integrated Communications system comes from another ST Electronics company, CET.
Key milestones
Starting with a co-operative agreement with Lurssen Werft of Germany to deliver four 45 m missile gun boats, independent design capability was quickly developed by the 1980s, a key milestone being the contract to design and build six 62 m missile corvettes, the Victory class for the RSN.
ST Marine has since gained experience in stealth technology - RCS (Radar Cross Section), RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) and infrared [IR] signature reduction - partly in collaboration with partner ST companies.
President of Naval Business Larry Loon says: "Our naval work falls into two broad areas: stealth vessels of corvette size and fast interceptors of 15-20 m up to 80 m is one area and the second is multirole support vessels such as the 141 m LST and down to fast small landing craft."
Twelve units of 55 m patrol vessel and four of the 141 m Endurance-class LST are other recent projects. Both designed and built for the RSN, the complement for the LST is 65 compared to 130 in previous-generation vessels in this category.
The patrol vessels, equipped with guns and an anti-submarine warfare capability, were built and commissioned between 1995 and 1998.
ST Marine has extensive commercial shipbuilding interests, which works to its advantage, says Loon. "The RSA does not have enough business to keep all our capacity busy," he says. "Between the last LST and the frigate, we put three platform supply vessels through the yard." And after the frigates programme, the company says there may be container vessels, for which a contact has already been secured, taking their place in the covered berths at Benoi.
Flexibility is also practiced between new vessels and refit. "Some people have hang-ups about mixing new build and repair in the same yard, but we do not and we have done reasonably well at that," says Loon.
Some submarine work has been carried out in tropicalisation of Singapore's four former Swedish Sjoorman-class submarines, known locally as the Challenger class.
Although the RSN has generated most of ST Marine's naval work, exports have been made to navies and coast guards in Brunei, India, Kuwait and Thailand. The Kuwait Coast Guard, for instance, ordered the 43 m landing and supply craft and last year followed with a design and build contract for a 49 m land supply craft. Technology transfer from ST Marine was part of the contract for 45 m inshore patrol vessels for the Indian Navy. Collaboration and joint ventures are actively sought.
ST Marine has also developed the FBS 60 Floating Bridge System, which is in service with the Singapore Armed Forces.
The days when the island of Singapore was the world's largest supplier of computer hard disks are now a fairly distant memory. Economic forces in the region constantly drew the manufacturing base for large-volume items to Taiwan, then to South Korea on onwards to China and Vietnam. Singapore has consequently moved up the value chain.
"Singapore is not cheap anymore, our labour is not cheap," says Patrick Choy, chief marketing officer for ST Kinetics.
Of all the ST Engg Group companies, ST Kinetics, with its 2,300 employees, is the one most dedicated to military programmes, although it does handle non-defense work, with interests in commercial automotive businesses in China and North America. The company describes its move up the value chain as "an evolution of capabilities";. Starting with the licensed production of small arms ammunition right after Singaporean independence, it quickly moved to systems integration and upgrade work on armored vehicles in the 1980s. By the start of the 1990s, ST Kinetics' predecessor companies were engaged in full-blown design and development of infantry weapons systems, vehicles and artillery systems. Now the emphasis lies on what is described as Systems of Systems Engineering.
Advanced equipment
ST Kinetics continues to manufacture small arms and ammunition, albeit advanced equipment such as the SAR 21 combat rifle, the Super Rapid Automatic Grenade Launcher and air-bursting 40 mm munitions for automatic grenade launchers. The programmable fuse for the air-bursting munitions has built-in self-destruct, a feature that the company says will prove increasingly important for certain markets such as Scandinavian armies operating in snow. Self-destruct fusing has also been applied to a 155 mm artillery cargo shell. Plans for an Area Effects Weapon, Single Shot grenade launcher were shown at the IDEX 2005 exhibition (see IDR 412005, p21).
Another variation on the 40 mm theme is a newly introduced range of less-than-Iethal rounds: sponge, paint and stinger versions to be fired from all low-velocity grenade launchers, typically the ST Kinetics CIS 40GL.
Weapons produced by ST Kinetics include the 120 mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System, claimed to be the first with a recoil force of less than 20 tonnes at maximum charge, for a wider range of platforms and applications.
Starting with the FH2000/52 calibre howitzer, unveiled in 1990, there has been a high level of activity in the field of artillery systems and vehicles.
The latest is Primus, the self-propelled 155 mm/39 calibre howitzer, in production against an order for 54 by the Singapore Army.
The Bionix infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) entered service with the Singapore Army in late 1997 and is built in IFV25 and IFV40/50 versions. A bridgelayer version is in service with the Singapore Army alongside a recovery vehicle variant. Bionix is in full production, although overall requirements or deliveries have not been disclosed.
Bronco, an all-terrain tracked carrier in at least four variants, is built for a Singapore Army requirement but is completing trials with European countries. Bronco is seen by ST Kinetics as a basis for future developments such as an active articulation system, with the ability to quickly decouple the rear module and operate it as a remotely piloted vehicle. Hybrid electric drive, based on technology already established in some buses, is being investigated for Bronco.
Hybrid electric drive is also reported to be an option for an unmanned version of the Spider light strike vehicle for reconnaissance in hazardous environments. The basic Spider has completed trials in the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond Bronco, a Future All-Terrain Vehicle with a payload of seven tonnes (compared to the Bronco's five tonnes) and a sustained cross-country speed of 60 km/h over 500 km is being studied. A feasibility contract was awarded by the Finnish Defense Forces last year.
Terex A V81, an 8x8 IFV, was added to ST Kinetics' portfolio in September 2003. It is the subject of a joint venture with Turkey's Otokar..
ST Kinetics is also responsible for the Vision Ball surveillance device, which has been described as an information grenade, and a soft ground mobility system deploying vehicle, which dispenses special high expansion ratio foam to generate a navigable surface, is being studied.
Bringing all these systems together is ST Kinetics' Engineering Development Centre, with 350 personnel working on integrated solutions.
ST Electronics provides communication and sensor systems, including electro-optics and software. It has training and simulation products, and technology for the encryption of mobile communications. Major contracts are often in the civil sector, with large rail and traffic management projects.
Achieving synergy
Electronics is an area where synergy between military and civil interests is often achieved, with a classic example being an IR fever sensing system, adapted from an ST Electronics thermal imager in 2003, for the screening of travellers for the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The system was developed in one week in collaboration with the DSTA, and was quickly fielded at ports of entry.
The example is useful because, in the words of ST Electronics' President of Defense Business Lee Fook Sun: "We live in a world where technology changes direction at the rate of 19, and requirements tend to change at 9g."
For ST Electronics, the swift change of direction has been towards homeland security and the development of specific systems for countering 'new terrorism'.
In 2004, the company introduced MAPS - Maritime, Aviation and Port Security - which was derived from the existing range of sensors and systems
Another product from ST Electronics subsidiary Agilis is Hyperion-M, a shelter-mounted mobile C/Ku-band radar system intended to counter illegal vessels. It includes an electro-optical system, a target tracker, an automatic identification system and a microwave link. A tower-mounted version ofHyperion is also marketed.
Agilis' commercial Very Small Aperture Terminals have found military applications with the Oscmar Company in New Zealand for training troops in the field with a high level of realism, which included a broadband satellite communications system.
In March this year, Agilis showed its miniV, claimed to be the world's smallest Very Small Aperture Terminal in its class, at the Global Security Asia 2005 exhibition.
This satellite communications system permits simultaneous voice telephony, video streaming and data transmission. It can fit into a suitcase. The company claims that the miniV can be rapidly deployed and operated in less than 10 minutes by one person.
Many of ST Electronics' products are in the category of dual-use or paramilitary, an example of which is the Emergency Integrated Communication System, which is essentially a communication system for emergency services, bringing. Together mobile platforms, fixed bases, networking and a range of radio interfaces.
Two mobile command vehicles have been developed by subsidiary CET: the Expandable Command & Communication Vehicle and the Forward Command Vehicle
Complementary Interests
ST Aerospace is the largest of ST Engg's defence-related companies, employing nearly 4,500 people. Its operations are dominated by civil activities, maintenance, overhaul and conversions for airliners and engines. In some respects its defense interests are complementary-one of the major projects from 2004 has been the overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130 Aircraft and the refurbishment of 20 Philippines Air Force UH-1H helicopters complete with a logistic package. Deliveries commenced last year 2004.
C-130 capability is comprehensive, with the overhaul of airframes and F56 engines to the highest level, and including work up to conversion to air fuelling tanker.
In the Fixed wing combat aircraft field, upgrades for A-4 and F-5 fighters have represented a good volume from Singapore Air Force and from export customers such as Brazil and turkey. While those aircraft remains in service, there will still be a market, albeit diminishing.
Again building on national work to support and maintain Singapore’s F-16 force, ST Aerospace offers the ‘Falcon One’ series of upgrade for the F-16, covering weapons, electronic warfare, navigation and target and warning systems. The programme is based on offering customers a choice of subsystems from suppliers from around the world.
The company also offers a Super Puma door gun upgrade, providing two manually operated 12.7 mm machines guns installed outside the cabin doors, leaving full usable cabin space. The design can be adapted for other types of helicopter.
In ST Aero’s own military programmes, a significant area for the future is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – The MAV-1; the bungee-launched skyblade II: and, most recently, the VTOL Fantail - which are distinguished as being ST Aero in-house design projects, described as ready and under discussion with customers. Fantail has potential with armed forces, paramilitary and security forces, says the company.
AN ARTICLE FROM INTERNATIONAL DEFENSE REVIEW MAY 01, 2005
Singapore's defense industry builds on a tough-minded approach to procurement
By Mark Daly
Singapore spends by far the largest single part of its national budget on defense - between 4.5 per cent and five per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent years - with the government committed to spending up to six per cent, according to figures given to the parliament in March this year (2005). In 2004, the figure was estimated by one source to be 5.27 per cent of GDP, equivalent to US$5.03 billion. Unofficial estimates put defense spending at as much as 27-29 per cent of the overall national spending each year since 2001. SIPRI, the Stockholm International Peace Institute, gives US$4.733 billion as the defense spend for 2003.
As a wealthy and stable nation, Singapore can justify a national defense industry for carefully selected systems and self-sufficiency in key areas, but at the same time, the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) follows a strict policy of 'best sourcing'. There has been no move to produce anything approaching an across-the-board strategic industrial capability, and neither MINDEF nor its agency organization DSTA (Defense Science and Technology Agency) would attempt to do so merely for reasons of prestige.
Since the establishment of the Future Systems Directorate in February 2003, which plays an integral part of the Singapore Armed Forces strategy for force transformation, Singapore has an agency that conducts experiments, which will have a powerful interest in future, technologies, which are seen as key enablers for superior fighting concepts.
Singapore's leading defense industries are all grouped within Singapore Technologies Engineering Group (ST Engg), which is 57 per cent state-owned. The latest figures released in March show a turnover for fiscal year 2004 of S$2.9 billion (US$I.7 billion). All companies in the group handle both defense and civil work, and the latest annual report says that commercial contributions overtook revenues from the defense sector for the first time in 2004, amounting to 51 per cent of total revenues (compared to 45 per cent in 2003). The company has 11,600 employees globally.
One ST Engg executive tells IDR: "We have reached a stage where we do not mind investing beyond Singapore's own needs," but defense programmes are still largely generated by the requirements of the Singapore Armed Forces. ST Engg has more than 100 subsidiaries and associated companies. A handful of other Singapore-based companies base defense interests, mostly as suppliers to ST Engg.
Making the grade
An example of the tough-minded approach to procurement can be seen in the current fighter procurement competition to choose between the F-15, Rafale and Typhoon. Offsets to local industry will not influence the selection, according to the president of ST Aerospace. The company plays an advisory role in the selection. Offsets are not considered a leading element of any Singaporean offshore selection. MINDEF says that this approach and transparent processes give Singapore a reputation as a 'reference
Customer’, which carries particular weight, in the case of the fighter competition, with other air forces and the aerospace industry.
Geographical and manpower constraints also have a powerful influence on Singapore's industry. In March this year, a government minister gave parliament the example of how air grading for prospective aircrew is outsourced to Tamworth in Australia, with the MINDEF neither owning nor maintaining training aircraft.
A zero-growth policy in military manpower has been in effect for nearly 20 years, largely influenced by Singapore's low birth rate. This, in turn, has influenced development of systems such as the ST Primus 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, which requires a crew of only four conscripts. MINDEF claims a three-fold increase in manpower productivity for artillery over the past 10 years, also citing the locally made FH2000, which reduced the manning for a 155 mm system from 12 to eight men. The need to achieve lower manning levels has influenced naval programmes such as the Endurance-class LSTs.
ST Marine, which has yards at Benoi and Tuas (and, by acquisition ofVT Halter, in the US), is working on six stealth frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). These are being built in collaboration with DCN International of France based on the La Fayette class, but with significant changes and known as the Formidable class.
The first vessel, built in France, is now fitting out, and in the covered assembly sheds at its main yard at Benoi, hulls four and five are in various stages of construction. Components exist for the final vessel in class, which is scheduled to launch in 2008.
The second vessel, Intrepid, was launched in July 2004, and the third, Steadfast, was launched in January this year. Complement is 71, with a high level of automation. The final vessel in the class will launch in 2008 and commission in 2009. The combat management system was developed indigenously by the DSTA, and runs from Standard Operating Common Consoles supplied by the ST Electronics company SES. The Integrated Communications system comes from another ST Electronics company, CET.
Key milestones
Starting with a co-operative agreement with Lurssen Werft of Germany to deliver four 45 m missile gun boats, independent design capability was quickly developed by the 1980s, a key milestone being the contract to design and build six 62 m missile corvettes, the Victory class for the RSN.
ST Marine has since gained experience in stealth technology - RCS (Radar Cross Section), RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) and infrared [IR] signature reduction - partly in collaboration with partner ST companies.
President of Naval Business Larry Loon says: "Our naval work falls into two broad areas: stealth vessels of corvette size and fast interceptors of 15-20 m up to 80 m is one area and the second is multirole support vessels such as the 141 m LST and down to fast small landing craft."
Twelve units of 55 m patrol vessel and four of the 141 m Endurance-class LST are other recent projects. Both designed and built for the RSN, the complement for the LST is 65 compared to 130 in previous-generation vessels in this category.
The patrol vessels, equipped with guns and an anti-submarine warfare capability, were built and commissioned between 1995 and 1998.
ST Marine has extensive commercial shipbuilding interests, which works to its advantage, says Loon. "The RSA does not have enough business to keep all our capacity busy," he says. "Between the last LST and the frigate, we put three platform supply vessels through the yard." And after the frigates programme, the company says there may be container vessels, for which a contact has already been secured, taking their place in the covered berths at Benoi.
Flexibility is also practiced between new vessels and refit. "Some people have hang-ups about mixing new build and repair in the same yard, but we do not and we have done reasonably well at that," says Loon.
Some submarine work has been carried out in tropicalisation of Singapore's four former Swedish Sjoorman-class submarines, known locally as the Challenger class.
Although the RSN has generated most of ST Marine's naval work, exports have been made to navies and coast guards in Brunei, India, Kuwait and Thailand. The Kuwait Coast Guard, for instance, ordered the 43 m landing and supply craft and last year followed with a design and build contract for a 49 m land supply craft. Technology transfer from ST Marine was part of the contract for 45 m inshore patrol vessels for the Indian Navy. Collaboration and joint ventures are actively sought.
ST Marine has also developed the FBS 60 Floating Bridge System, which is in service with the Singapore Armed Forces.
The days when the island of Singapore was the world's largest supplier of computer hard disks are now a fairly distant memory. Economic forces in the region constantly drew the manufacturing base for large-volume items to Taiwan, then to South Korea on onwards to China and Vietnam. Singapore has consequently moved up the value chain.
"Singapore is not cheap anymore, our labour is not cheap," says Patrick Choy, chief marketing officer for ST Kinetics.
Of all the ST Engg Group companies, ST Kinetics, with its 2,300 employees, is the one most dedicated to military programmes, although it does handle non-defense work, with interests in commercial automotive businesses in China and North America. The company describes its move up the value chain as "an evolution of capabilities";. Starting with the licensed production of small arms ammunition right after Singaporean independence, it quickly moved to systems integration and upgrade work on armored vehicles in the 1980s. By the start of the 1990s, ST Kinetics' predecessor companies were engaged in full-blown design and development of infantry weapons systems, vehicles and artillery systems. Now the emphasis lies on what is described as Systems of Systems Engineering.
Advanced equipment
ST Kinetics continues to manufacture small arms and ammunition, albeit advanced equipment such as the SAR 21 combat rifle, the Super Rapid Automatic Grenade Launcher and air-bursting 40 mm munitions for automatic grenade launchers. The programmable fuse for the air-bursting munitions has built-in self-destruct, a feature that the company says will prove increasingly important for certain markets such as Scandinavian armies operating in snow. Self-destruct fusing has also been applied to a 155 mm artillery cargo shell. Plans for an Area Effects Weapon, Single Shot grenade launcher were shown at the IDEX 2005 exhibition (see IDR 412005, p21).
Another variation on the 40 mm theme is a newly introduced range of less-than-Iethal rounds: sponge, paint and stinger versions to be fired from all low-velocity grenade launchers, typically the ST Kinetics CIS 40GL.
Weapons produced by ST Kinetics include the 120 mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System, claimed to be the first with a recoil force of less than 20 tonnes at maximum charge, for a wider range of platforms and applications.
Starting with the FH2000/52 calibre howitzer, unveiled in 1990, there has been a high level of activity in the field of artillery systems and vehicles.
The latest is Primus, the self-propelled 155 mm/39 calibre howitzer, in production against an order for 54 by the Singapore Army.
The Bionix infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) entered service with the Singapore Army in late 1997 and is built in IFV25 and IFV40/50 versions. A bridgelayer version is in service with the Singapore Army alongside a recovery vehicle variant. Bionix is in full production, although overall requirements or deliveries have not been disclosed.
Bronco, an all-terrain tracked carrier in at least four variants, is built for a Singapore Army requirement but is completing trials with European countries. Bronco is seen by ST Kinetics as a basis for future developments such as an active articulation system, with the ability to quickly decouple the rear module and operate it as a remotely piloted vehicle. Hybrid electric drive, based on technology already established in some buses, is being investigated for Bronco.
Hybrid electric drive is also reported to be an option for an unmanned version of the Spider light strike vehicle for reconnaissance in hazardous environments. The basic Spider has completed trials in the United Arab Emirates.
Beyond Bronco, a Future All-Terrain Vehicle with a payload of seven tonnes (compared to the Bronco's five tonnes) and a sustained cross-country speed of 60 km/h over 500 km is being studied. A feasibility contract was awarded by the Finnish Defense Forces last year.
Terex A V81, an 8x8 IFV, was added to ST Kinetics' portfolio in September 2003. It is the subject of a joint venture with Turkey's Otokar..
ST Kinetics is also responsible for the Vision Ball surveillance device, which has been described as an information grenade, and a soft ground mobility system deploying vehicle, which dispenses special high expansion ratio foam to generate a navigable surface, is being studied.
Bringing all these systems together is ST Kinetics' Engineering Development Centre, with 350 personnel working on integrated solutions.
ST Electronics provides communication and sensor systems, including electro-optics and software. It has training and simulation products, and technology for the encryption of mobile communications. Major contracts are often in the civil sector, with large rail and traffic management projects.
Achieving synergy
Electronics is an area where synergy between military and civil interests is often achieved, with a classic example being an IR fever sensing system, adapted from an ST Electronics thermal imager in 2003, for the screening of travellers for the symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The system was developed in one week in collaboration with the DSTA, and was quickly fielded at ports of entry.
The example is useful because, in the words of ST Electronics' President of Defense Business Lee Fook Sun: "We live in a world where technology changes direction at the rate of 19, and requirements tend to change at 9g."
For ST Electronics, the swift change of direction has been towards homeland security and the development of specific systems for countering 'new terrorism'.
In 2004, the company introduced MAPS - Maritime, Aviation and Port Security - which was derived from the existing range of sensors and systems
Another product from ST Electronics subsidiary Agilis is Hyperion-M, a shelter-mounted mobile C/Ku-band radar system intended to counter illegal vessels. It includes an electro-optical system, a target tracker, an automatic identification system and a microwave link. A tower-mounted version ofHyperion is also marketed.
Agilis' commercial Very Small Aperture Terminals have found military applications with the Oscmar Company in New Zealand for training troops in the field with a high level of realism, which included a broadband satellite communications system.
In March this year, Agilis showed its miniV, claimed to be the world's smallest Very Small Aperture Terminal in its class, at the Global Security Asia 2005 exhibition.
This satellite communications system permits simultaneous voice telephony, video streaming and data transmission. It can fit into a suitcase. The company claims that the miniV can be rapidly deployed and operated in less than 10 minutes by one person.
Many of ST Electronics' products are in the category of dual-use or paramilitary, an example of which is the Emergency Integrated Communication System, which is essentially a communication system for emergency services, bringing. Together mobile platforms, fixed bases, networking and a range of radio interfaces.
Two mobile command vehicles have been developed by subsidiary CET: the Expandable Command & Communication Vehicle and the Forward Command Vehicle
Complementary Interests
ST Aerospace is the largest of ST Engg's defence-related companies, employing nearly 4,500 people. Its operations are dominated by civil activities, maintenance, overhaul and conversions for airliners and engines. In some respects its defense interests are complementary-one of the major projects from 2004 has been the overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130 Aircraft and the refurbishment of 20 Philippines Air Force UH-1H helicopters complete with a logistic package. Deliveries commenced last year 2004.
C-130 capability is comprehensive, with the overhaul of airframes and F56 engines to the highest level, and including work up to conversion to air fuelling tanker.
In the Fixed wing combat aircraft field, upgrades for A-4 and F-5 fighters have represented a good volume from Singapore Air Force and from export customers such as Brazil and turkey. While those aircraft remains in service, there will still be a market, albeit diminishing.
Again building on national work to support and maintain Singapore’s F-16 force, ST Aerospace offers the ‘Falcon One’ series of upgrade for the F-16, covering weapons, electronic warfare, navigation and target and warning systems. The programme is based on offering customers a choice of subsystems from suppliers from around the world.
The company also offers a Super Puma door gun upgrade, providing two manually operated 12.7 mm machines guns installed outside the cabin doors, leaving full usable cabin space. The design can be adapted for other types of helicopter.
In ST Aero’s own military programmes, a significant area for the future is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) – The MAV-1; the bungee-launched skyblade II: and, most recently, the VTOL Fantail - which are distinguished as being ST Aero in-house design projects, described as ready and under discussion with customers. Fantail has potential with armed forces, paramilitary and security forces, says the company.
IAF - May 8, 2005 03:41 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Orcishwarrior @ May 8 2005, 02:36 AM) |
| In the Fixed wing combat aircraft field, upgrades for A-4 and F-5 fighters have represented a good volume from Singapore Air Force and from export customers such as Brazil and turkey. While those aircraft remains in service, there will still be a market, albeit diminishing. |
Thanks for the article
Any idea what's being done for Brazil?
warspite - May 8, 2005 04:59 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (IAF @ May 8 2005, 11:41 AM) | ||
Thanks for the article Any idea what's being done for Brazil? |
ST was involved in the collaoration of the F5E upgrade for the Brazilian Air Force together with a company from Israel.
IAF - May 8, 2005 07:05 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (warspite @ May 8 2005, 12:59 PM) | ||||
ST was involved in the collaoration of the F5E upgrade for the Brazilian Air Force together with a company from Israel. |
Thanks i thought so too.
gary1910 - May 10, 2005 10:35 AM (GMT)
I am alway interested in SG's arms export , I did a compilation of it.
But I am sure I have missed out a lot, so please comments & update :
Asia
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
1997 ,4 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
Cambodia:
Unknown
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88
ROC:
Upgrade 6 F-5s to RF-5E.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Pakistan:
?
Sri Lanka:
?
India:
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
Europe
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
UK:
SAS: Ultimax100 SAW
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex.
Former Yugoslavia:
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Africa
Zimbabwe:
South America
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
But I am sure I have missed out a lot, so please comments & update :
Asia
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
1997 ,4 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
Cambodia:
Unknown
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88
ROC:
Upgrade 6 F-5s to RF-5E.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Pakistan:
?
Sri Lanka:
?
India:
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
Europe
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
UK:
SAS: Ultimax100 SAW
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex.
Former Yugoslavia:
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Africa
Zimbabwe:
South America
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
IceStorm - May 10, 2005 11:40 AM (GMT)
cambodia is ARMBURST LAW...
saw them on TV... during the vietnam occupation..
saw them on TV... during the vietnam occupation..
gary1910 - May 10, 2005 12:45 PM (GMT)
Here an update with stuff that are missed out, I am sure there are many more, especially small arms like rifles, AGLs , mortars etc.
I am also sure we provided many ammo to many third world countries.
Latest update on 11th May
Asia
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Refurbishment of 20 UH-1Hs
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
CIS 50HMG
1997 ,4 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
Cambodia:
Armbrust LAW
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
84mm rockets, Ultimax100 SAW?
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88
ROC:
Upgrade 6 F-5s to RF-5E.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Very Small Aperture Terminals(satellite communications system)
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Pakistan:
?
Sri Lanka:
?
India:
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
United Arab Emirates
Possible sales of Spider LSV
Europe
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
France:
Possible sales of Bronco as mortar carrier.
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex.
Former Yugoslavia:
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Africa
Zimbabwe:
?
There are lot of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Africa, they are found in Somalia and Congo.
South America
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
Overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130
I am also sure we provided many ammo to many third world countries.
Latest update on 11th May
Asia
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Refurbishment of 20 UH-1Hs
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
CIS 50HMG
1997 ,4 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
Cambodia:
Armbrust LAW
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
84mm rockets, Ultimax100 SAW?
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88
ROC:
Upgrade 6 F-5s to RF-5E.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Very Small Aperture Terminals(satellite communications system)
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Pakistan:
?
Sri Lanka:
?
India:
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
United Arab Emirates
Possible sales of Spider LSV
Europe
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
France:
Possible sales of Bronco as mortar carrier.
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex.
Former Yugoslavia:
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Africa
Zimbabwe:
?
There are lot of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Africa, they are found in Somalia and Congo.
South America
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
Overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130
YourFather - May 10, 2005 02:01 PM (GMT)
Our Bronco is in competition with the Bv-206 as a mortar carrier in France, source from IDR.
warspite - May 10, 2005 03:18 PM (GMT)
Gary1910,
Are you sure the Brits bought the Ultimax100 SAW?
I'm pretty sure I have never come across any comments or reference to this acquisition. ;)
Are you sure the Brits bought the Ultimax100 SAW?
I'm pretty sure I have never come across any comments or reference to this acquisition. ;)
bcoy - May 10, 2005 03:27 PM (GMT)
Indonesia - CIS 50 MG
gary1910 - May 10, 2005 05:41 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (warspite @ May 10 2005, 11:18 PM) |
| Gary1910, Are you sure the Brits bought the Ultimax100 SAW? I'm pretty sure I have never come across any comments or reference to this acquisition. ;) |
Not sure, got this from old Sgforum thread abt Ultimax100 export. Someone stated that SAS have some of them.
Here the thread:
http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_dis...thread_id=79841
gary1910 - May 11, 2005 07:11 AM (GMT)
I did a search and so far there is no mentioned of UK's SAS using Ultimax 100, in fact they are using FN Minimi as LMG.
Anzac's SAS perhaps?
One thing, I read a news report availability of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Mogadishu, Somalia. Another report from Congo as well.
One thing the SAR-80s could be from UK or CIS, and were sold to a third world nation , African perhaps and later leaked into illegal arms markets of Africa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where big guns are going cheap - Wednesday, 18 July, 2001
"They talk about an administration and the people are just getting killed on daily bases," Abdulle Ahmed Ali, an angry old Somalia upset about the increasing crimes in the capital Mogadishu, told Xinhua recently.
"Here and there, everyday and every hour you hear of fighting or some people got killed in what's termed as banditry related incidents," he said.
It is true that the Somalis have been dying everyday in either fighting or robbery. Despite draughts and natural disasters such as floods, it is very clear that weapons have been killing the Somalis more than anything else in the past 10 years ever since the late regime was toppled in 1990.
It is easy to become a famous killer or even a warlord here in Somalia because all the means needed for such titles are in hands, reach for everyone. The weapons of all kinds are available and are sold in the open markets in the capital Mogadishu.
There are over five main weapons markets here in Mogadishu and the largest is the Bakara market. As you get close to it, you might hear of some shooting and sometimes even deafening noise of a gun. "Don't worry, these are the sky shooters," the people around the market would tell you.
Every time a gun is sold, it is tested before the money is paid. It depends upon the kind of the gun, but all of the assault rifles and the well sought PKM guns (long range gun cherished by militiamen) are being tested in the middle of the people with the weapons dealers aiming the gun at the sky for a client.
''The anti aircraft guns and mortars are tested a little outside the market place," Mohammed Ali Dubbad, one of those selling the weapons, told the reporter. "It's terrible, but we got used to these sky shooters," said a lady who was selling mattresses only 30 meters away.
Mogadishu's street fighters like the AK 47 assault rifles very much and more than any other gun. "Because unlike the American M16 and Sar 80s, the AK 47s are almost equally light in weight and can operate in the moisture and dust and sand," Dubbad said. "That's why and even among AK 47s, the Russian and Korean made ones are the best.''
In the Bakara market, you can find AK 47s from Libya, Egypt, Russia, Korea and Yugoslavia. But the most expensive ones are the Russian and Korean ones which each cost 200 US dollars, while the rest each cost 150 dollars.
In the weapons markets, there are also other assault rifles such as the German made assault rifle 6 3. "But this is the heaviest and most of the gunmen are very young boys and thin and they can not stand its weight," said Ahmed Farah Nur, another weapons dealer in Argentine weapons market. The G 3 and the American M16 and Sar 80 each cost 100 dollars.
The prices of guns are all the time also affected by the availability of its ammunition. "When the ammunition is available in abundance, its gun is expensive and vice versa," said Nur. "For instance, the bullets for the M16 and Sar 80 guns are scarce in the markets, that's another reason why they are cheap compared to the AK 47s.''
Also, when there's fighting going on somewhere between two clans, assault rifles and ammunition also become more expensive as the demand goes higher and higher and vice versa, when there's peace the weapons become cheap in price.
Since the late regime was toppled, Somalia has been enjoying a free market economy. "But the freedom has been abused," said Abdi Ahmed Dhuhulow, a parliamentarian in Mogadishu.
If you go to the weapons markets, you can as well buy heavy anti aircraft guns such as the Zuu 23mm and the 37mm guns. Nur told the reporter that the last Zuu 23mm anti aircraft gun was sold at 54,000 dollars. "A faction leader bought it, but I don't want to mention his name," he said.
There are no exact figures ever released over the number of guns possibly in the hands of civilians here in Mogadishu. But rough statistics made by some aid agencies indicated that there are over 1 million assault rifles in this city, with an estimated population of a little over 1.5 million.
This shows that two thirds of Mogadishu's citizens are armed and this is what the aid agencies believe why it is so difficult to make a workable administration for Mogadishu all this time. Also, it is believed that more than 300,000 people have died in famine and bullets during this time of the civil war in Somalia.
As a result, the new transitional government of Somalia is having one of its main tasks to disarm Mogadishu and unless there is a major financial support from the international community, it will be very unlikely to happen. – Xinhua
Anzac's SAS perhaps?
One thing, I read a news report availability of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Mogadishu, Somalia. Another report from Congo as well.
One thing the SAR-80s could be from UK or CIS, and were sold to a third world nation , African perhaps and later leaked into illegal arms markets of Africa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Where big guns are going cheap - Wednesday, 18 July, 2001
"They talk about an administration and the people are just getting killed on daily bases," Abdulle Ahmed Ali, an angry old Somalia upset about the increasing crimes in the capital Mogadishu, told Xinhua recently.
"Here and there, everyday and every hour you hear of fighting or some people got killed in what's termed as banditry related incidents," he said.
It is true that the Somalis have been dying everyday in either fighting or robbery. Despite draughts and natural disasters such as floods, it is very clear that weapons have been killing the Somalis more than anything else in the past 10 years ever since the late regime was toppled in 1990.
It is easy to become a famous killer or even a warlord here in Somalia because all the means needed for such titles are in hands, reach for everyone. The weapons of all kinds are available and are sold in the open markets in the capital Mogadishu.
There are over five main weapons markets here in Mogadishu and the largest is the Bakara market. As you get close to it, you might hear of some shooting and sometimes even deafening noise of a gun. "Don't worry, these are the sky shooters," the people around the market would tell you.
Every time a gun is sold, it is tested before the money is paid. It depends upon the kind of the gun, but all of the assault rifles and the well sought PKM guns (long range gun cherished by militiamen) are being tested in the middle of the people with the weapons dealers aiming the gun at the sky for a client.
''The anti aircraft guns and mortars are tested a little outside the market place," Mohammed Ali Dubbad, one of those selling the weapons, told the reporter. "It's terrible, but we got used to these sky shooters," said a lady who was selling mattresses only 30 meters away.
Mogadishu's street fighters like the AK 47 assault rifles very much and more than any other gun. "Because unlike the American M16 and Sar 80s, the AK 47s are almost equally light in weight and can operate in the moisture and dust and sand," Dubbad said. "That's why and even among AK 47s, the Russian and Korean made ones are the best.''
In the Bakara market, you can find AK 47s from Libya, Egypt, Russia, Korea and Yugoslavia. But the most expensive ones are the Russian and Korean ones which each cost 200 US dollars, while the rest each cost 150 dollars.
In the weapons markets, there are also other assault rifles such as the German made assault rifle 6 3. "But this is the heaviest and most of the gunmen are very young boys and thin and they can not stand its weight," said Ahmed Farah Nur, another weapons dealer in Argentine weapons market. The G 3 and the American M16 and Sar 80 each cost 100 dollars.
The prices of guns are all the time also affected by the availability of its ammunition. "When the ammunition is available in abundance, its gun is expensive and vice versa," said Nur. "For instance, the bullets for the M16 and Sar 80 guns are scarce in the markets, that's another reason why they are cheap compared to the AK 47s.''
Also, when there's fighting going on somewhere between two clans, assault rifles and ammunition also become more expensive as the demand goes higher and higher and vice versa, when there's peace the weapons become cheap in price.
Since the late regime was toppled, Somalia has been enjoying a free market economy. "But the freedom has been abused," said Abdi Ahmed Dhuhulow, a parliamentarian in Mogadishu.
If you go to the weapons markets, you can as well buy heavy anti aircraft guns such as the Zuu 23mm and the 37mm guns. Nur told the reporter that the last Zuu 23mm anti aircraft gun was sold at 54,000 dollars. "A faction leader bought it, but I don't want to mention his name," he said.
There are no exact figures ever released over the number of guns possibly in the hands of civilians here in Mogadishu. But rough statistics made by some aid agencies indicated that there are over 1 million assault rifles in this city, with an estimated population of a little over 1.5 million.
This shows that two thirds of Mogadishu's citizens are armed and this is what the aid agencies believe why it is so difficult to make a workable administration for Mogadishu all this time. Also, it is believed that more than 300,000 people have died in famine and bullets during this time of the civil war in Somalia.
As a result, the new transitional government of Somalia is having one of its main tasks to disarm Mogadishu and unless there is a major financial support from the international community, it will be very unlikely to happen. – Xinhua
LazerLordz - May 11, 2005 08:36 AM (GMT)
We have quite strong links with Elbit and Rafael.
The small Vision Ball was produced with an Israeli firm i think..
The small Vision Ball was produced with an Israeli firm i think..
YourFather - June 16, 2006 08:22 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
Bronco seeks first export orders Christopher F Foss The Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier (ATTC) has been fully operational with the Singapore Armed Forces for several years. So far more than 600 have been ordered with production still underway. Bronco has already undertaken extensive trials in Finland and more recently in France as both countries have a requirement for a vehicle of this type. Also competing for both of these requirements is the BAE Systems Hägglunds BvS 10, which is in service with the Netherlands and UK Royal Marines and has also undergone extensive trials in France, including the Alps. The French Army programme is called the Véhicule Haute Mobilité (VHM) with a total requirement, funding permitting, of up to 400 units. Both contractors have submitted their bids to France. A decision is expected early next year, with first order expected to be for about 50 to 60 units. For the French market STK (Stand H10) would send the vehicles to French company CEFA, which would fit specialised mission equipment. The vehicles would then go to Thales, which would fit the electronic equipment. At Eurosatory, a Bronco is being shown in French Army markings and fitted out as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO) vehicle. Mounted over the front unit is a remote controlled overhead weapon station supplied by Thales and armed with a 12.7mm machine gun. Singapore has already deployed a number of versions of the Bronco, including ambulance, repair and recovery, load carrier, troop carrier and fuel resupply vehicle. Other versions are under development, including one carrying the STK 120mm SRAMS (Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System). Bronco is already being expanded, including use as a robotic vehicle, as well as being fitted with a new advanced patented coupling that links the front and rear units. This unique feature allows the user to “plug and play “ so that different units can be attached as required by the mission. In addition, each unit can be transported slung under a tactical helicopter and then rapidly linked at their final destination. The units provide the crews with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters, with higher levels of protection being an option. The Caterpillar diesel engine meets EURO III requirements, with the total available payload currently being 5,000kg. The Bronco is also fully amphibious, being propelled in the water by its tracks at a speed of 5km/h. |
http://eurosatory.janes.com/docs/eurosator...st-export.shtml
Think Singapore will get a deal this time? :D
ALPHA84 - June 16, 2006 11:07 AM (GMT)
Actually Singapore and Sweden are the onli 2 countries that seems to design this type of 2 armoured carriage attach together vehicles. Thus unless PRC joins in and produce cheapo clones, I think the market is still quite wide. But the part on the contest in Finland, I think we lost to the Swedes, as I happen to read some where else. I think the problem of Singapore to pentatrate the Europes arms market is that we lack the reputation and the media coverage. Singapore perhaps to them, due to our size, they dun believe in our stuffs, or rate our stuff along the PRC clones.
gary1910 - June 16, 2006 03:19 PM (GMT)
Turkey is also another possible customer.
LazerLordz - June 16, 2006 04:41 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (gary1910 @ Jun 16 2006, 11:19 PM) |
| Turkey is also another possible customer. |
Together with the Terrex, I think our foothold into NATO as a market depends on Turkish purchases first and foremost..
gary1910 - June 16, 2006 08:04 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| The Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK) Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier (ATTC) has been fully operational with the Singapore Armed Forces for several years. So far more than 600 have been ordered with production still underway. |
SAF certainly bought a very large number, the last I heard was 500.
| QUOTE |
| At Eurosatory, a Bronco is being shown in French Army markings and fitted out as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO) vehicle. Mounted over the front unit is a remote controlled overhead weapon station supplied by Thales and armed with a 12.7mm machine gun. |
It seem that the French has bought at least one copy for evaluation.
reich - June 17, 2006 11:54 AM (GMT)
my feeling tells me France will not go for Bronco , they will probably go for EU products unless Bronco really outperformance their EU competitor by a huge margin !
Shotgun - June 17, 2006 06:32 PM (GMT)
Yeah, i suspect they will go for the swedish vehicle. Its a hell lot nearer to resupply spares.
homing - June 18, 2006 08:07 AM (GMT)
One adavtage Bronco has is its avaibilty to deliver on time or before time as STK had almost finish with SAF's order. The second is the unmanned version of Bronco which is very attractive. Hope Bronco can be a export success
gary1910 - October 18, 2006 08:48 AM (GMT)
Here my latest compilation Singapore weapons sales:
Pls comment on any error and update.
Asia
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Bangladesh:
3 Meghna class large patrol boats, Vosper ,SG
SAR-21
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
300 Armbrust LAW
Cambodia:
Armbrust LAW
84mm rockets
Anti-personnel mines
Egypt:
3 Fast Missile Craft (FMC) include design and production via US subsidiary VT Halter Marine.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
India:
6 MGBs TNC-45
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
CIS 50HMG
In 1997 ,4~5 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
A small qty of Flyer LSVs
Transferred of ex RSN;s RSS Jupiter
420 Terrex??
Refurbish C-130s
Iraq:
Anti-personnel mines
Mobile crash barrier
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
84mm rockets, Ultimax100 SAW?
Possible transfer of BloodHound Mk2 ?
Nepal:
SAR-80
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Very Small Aperture Terminals(satellite communications system)
cargo conversion and avionics upgrades 2 Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
Pakistan:
?
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88 rifles
3 ex-RSN’s Vosper PV transferred
120mm Mortar
CIS 40mm GL
SAR-21 for police
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
Armbrust LAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Refurbishment of 20 UH-1Hs
Upgraded 3 M113s to A3 standard
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Possible transfer of M68 Howitzers?
ROC:
Upgrade 7 F-5s to RF-5E.
Bofor 40mm L/70
Possible upgrade of Lafayette-class frigates in the future.
Sri Lanka:
120mm Mortar surplus
Soloman Islands:
SR88A
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mm GL
CIS GPMG
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K of M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL plus ABMS
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
United Arab Emirates:
3 Al Feyi class utility landing crafts
Possible sales of Spider LSV
Vietnam:
There is report from Vietnam that ST is helping them on upgrading their SPH.
Europe
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex., lost to Piranha III
Cyprus:
4,450 VS-50 Anti-personnel mines
CIS 40mm GL
Czech Republic:
CIS 40mm GL
Former Yugoslavia (Croatia):
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
France:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Italy:
AR70/90-GL assault rifle fitted with a CIS 40mm GL, licensed produced
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
Africa
South Africa:
SAR-80
Zimbabwe:
?
There are lot of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Africa, they are found in Somalia and Congo.
There is also a report in SA that a used Armbrust was sold as scrap.
South & Central America
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
CIS 40mm GL
Ecuador:
25,151 VS-50 Anti-personnel mines
Honduras:
Ultimax100 SAW
Peru:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
Overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130
40mm munitions for Metal Storm for US Army
Ruggnised laptop computers to US army
Pls comment on any error and update.
Asia
Australia:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Bangladesh:
3 Meghna class large patrol boats, Vosper ,SG
SAR-21
Brunei:
3 Waspada class FACs
300 Armbrust LAW
Cambodia:
Armbrust LAW
84mm rockets
Anti-personnel mines
Egypt:
3 Fast Missile Craft (FMC) include design and production via US subsidiary VT Halter Marine.
Fiji:
Ultimax100 SAW( Seen in recent coup)
India:
6 MGBs TNC-45
45m Inshore PVs
Spider LSVs
Indonesia:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
CIS 50HMG
In 1997 ,4~5 FH-88s
Upgraded AMX-13s to SM1 standard.
A small qty of Flyer LSVs
Transferred of ex RSN;s RSS Jupiter
420 Terrex??
Refurbish C-130s
Iraq:
Anti-personnel mines
Mobile crash barrier
Kuwait:
43m & 49m Landing & supply crafts
Myanmar:
Small arms, mortar & even small arms factory?
84mm rockets, Ultimax100 SAW?
Possible transfer of BloodHound Mk2 ?
Nepal:
SAR-80
New Zealand:
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Very Small Aperture Terminals(satellite communications system)
cargo conversion and avionics upgrades 2 Boeing 757-200 aircraft.
Pakistan:
?
Papua New Guinea:
Ultimax100 SAW
SR-88 rifles
3 ex-RSN’s Vosper PV transferred
120mm Mortar
CIS 40mm GL
SAR-21 for police
Philippines:
Ultimax100 SAW
Armbrust LAW
CIS 40mmAGL
2 Blue Horizon UAV
Refurbishment of 20 UH-1Hs
Upgraded 3 M113s to A3 standard
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
Possible transfer of M68 Howitzers?
ROC:
Upgrade 7 F-5s to RF-5E.
Bofor 40mm L/70
Possible upgrade of Lafayette-class frigates in the future.
Sri Lanka:
120mm Mortar surplus
Soloman Islands:
SR88A
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mm GL
CIS GPMG
Thailand:
In 1973, 30K of M-16 rifles.
3 Prabrarapak class FACs
SAR-80s rifles.
Bofor 40mm L/70
CIS 40mm AGL plus ABMS
Ammunitions: small arms ammo, mortar rounds etc.
United Arab Emirates:
3 Al Feyi class utility landing crafts
Possible sales of Spider LSV
Vietnam:
There is report from Vietnam that ST is helping them on upgrading their SPH.
Europe
Belgium:
Possible sales of Terrex., lost to Piranha III
Cyprus:
4,450 VS-50 Anti-personnel mines
CIS 40mm GL
Czech Republic:
CIS 40mm GL
Former Yugoslavia (Croatia):
Ultimax100 SAW
SAR-80
Armbrust LAW
Finland:
Possible sales of Bronco.
France:
Possible sales of Bronco.
Italy:
AR70/90-GL assault rifle fitted with a CIS 40mm GL, licensed produced
Turkey:
Upgrade of 48 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
24+400 FH-2000 (Turkey renamed as Panter )
16+300 Firtina SPH based on Korean K9 SPH with a modified FH-2000 gun.
Possible sales of Terrex(Yavuz) & Bronco(Sakarya).
Africa
South Africa:
SAR-80
Zimbabwe:
?
There are lot of SAR-80 rifles in the black market of Africa, they are found in Somalia and Congo.
There is also a report in SA that a used Armbrust was sold as scrap.
South & Central America
Brazil:
Upgrade of 45~60 F-5s with Israeli’s Elbit
Chile:
Ultimax100 SAW(picture of Chilean soldier with it)
CIS 40mm GL
Ecuador:
25,151 VS-50 Anti-personnel mines
Honduras:
Ultimax100 SAW
Peru:
Ultimax100 SAW
CIS 40mmAGL
Venezuela:
Upgrade of F-5s
North America
USA:
With USN , came out with Spartan USV.
USN SEAL, Ultimax100 SAW
Overhaul of US Pacific Air force C-130
40mm munitions for Metal Storm for US Army
Ruggnised laptop computers to US army
LaoTiKo - October 19, 2006 03:30 AM (GMT)
From above info, the technical strength(that's found a market of some size) seems to be summarised in the order:-
1) Light Infantry weapons, ammo, landmines
2) Aircraft(more specifically F5, EC-120) wiring design
3) Some patrol and utility naval crafts (about 300 tons displacement)
4) Design house(like Timoney) for land platforms(exports seems to be in-country licensed production)
I wonder what this altogether compares to ST Aero's MRO business?
Edit: This is export market only. If SAF biz included, then the picture will be very different but sustainable?
1) Light Infantry weapons, ammo, landmines
2) Aircraft(more specifically F5, EC-120) wiring design
3) Some patrol and utility naval crafts (about 300 tons displacement)
4) Design house(like Timoney) for land platforms(exports seems to be in-country licensed production)
I wonder what this altogether compares to ST Aero's MRO business?
Edit: This is export market only. If SAF biz included, then the picture will be very different but sustainable?
tankee1981 - October 19, 2006 04:19 AM (GMT)
It never cease to amaze me that a tiny nation like Singapore can be self sufficient in its defence needs, come out with relatively advanced weaponary and emerge as one of the largest small arms exporter in the world! :D
homing - October 19, 2006 04:35 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| This is export market only. If SAF biz included, then the picture will be very different but sustainable? |
Wonder how wonder why how did ST do it? Part of the yearly defence budget is allocated to R&D does that give some light in the "sew tunnel". Black market also is another source to make it float.
ALPHA84 - October 19, 2006 07:12 AM (GMT)
I was actually veri surprised ST managed to export vessels to a number of nations. I mean for example the Meghna and the Al-feiya for Blangadeshi and Sadui navy, those ship designs can't be found on the ST website rtie? Why didn't ST put these designs on the web? For Sri lanka, I thing with also exported some of our SFG-87 grenades.
I also read on the Pakistan Defence forum that Singapore did sell them 60++m vessel of some wad like the Victory class vessels, but dunno for wad purpose. Any one have news on this? Btw, did we export our MGB to India? I thought their vessels are working along the Russina design concepts?
I also read on the Pakistan Defence forum that Singapore did sell them 60++m vessel of some wad like the Victory class vessels, but dunno for wad purpose. Any one have news on this? Btw, did we export our MGB to India? I thought their vessels are working along the Russina design concepts?
LaoTiKo - October 19, 2006 09:26 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (ALPHA84 @ Oct 19 2006, 03:12 PM) |
| I was actually veri surprised ST managed to export vessels to a number of nations. I mean for example the Meghna and the Al-feiya for Blangadeshi and Sadui navy, those ship designs can't be found on the ST website rtie? Why didn't ST put these designs on the web? For Sri lanka, I thing with also exported some of our SFG-87 grenades. I also read on the Pakistan Defence forum that Singapore did sell them 60++m vessel of some wad like the Victory class vessels, but dunno for wad purpose. Any one have news on this? Btw, did we export our MGB to India? I thought their vessels are working along the Russina design concepts? |
Those patrol crafts are from another company, I think. IIRC, it's a British company(at that time) - Vosper Thornycroft.
Some of them includes exports from Vision Technology subsidiary - Halter Marine. Not much Sing content there except $.
Yes, it's amazing what has been achieved. It started with copying(which is not easy). Read something on the XM777 and Pegasus, Bronco etc. Also some are designs bought outright - Ultimax and SAR 80.
Probably more good things to come if the focus (in the right direction)is there. :ph43r:
oerlikon - October 21, 2006 02:47 PM (GMT)
The 45m vessel to India is for the Indian Coast Guard. The same hullform for the MGB probably used.
The one (Parparapak) to Thai is actually from Vosper then. Not from ST Marine.
I think there is possible sales of UH now its de-com.
The one (Parparapak) to Thai is actually from Vosper then. Not from ST Marine.
I think there is possible sales of UH now its de-com.
gary1910 - October 21, 2006 10:02 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (oerlikon @ Oct 21 2006, 10:47 PM) |
| The 45m vessel to India is for the Indian Coast Guard. The same hullform for the MGB probably used. The one (Parparapak) to Thai is actually from Vosper then. Not from ST Marine. I think there is possible sales of UH now its de-com. |
Parparapak was actually identical to our Seawolf MGB which I believe based on Lurssen design , so I doubt they are from Vosper.
In fact, our first 2 MGB were built in Germany and the rest were built by then Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd( now ST Marines ).
Afterwhich the 3 Parparapak class were built for Thailand which I believe also by SSE, licensed production.
Thai Parparapak class now with the time expired Gabriel missile removed:
As for the Meghna class for Bangladesh, I think they are ex-RSN.
oerlikon - October 22, 2006 06:22 AM (GMT)
Gary. Thanks for pointing out the mistake.
I was actually referring to the BN's vessels. They are made by Vosper SG. The MGB are built by STM.
However, I doubt the Meghna class is ex RSN. We do not have such vessels in the inventory previously. The closest we have is the PC A and B class which we have since de-com. However, they are different.
I was actually referring to the BN's vessels. They are made by Vosper SG. The MGB are built by STM.
However, I doubt the Meghna class is ex RSN. We do not have such vessels in the inventory previously. The closest we have is the PC A and B class which we have since de-com. However, they are different.
gary1910 - October 22, 2006 09:36 AM (GMT)
More info :
| QUOTE |
| The state-owned Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering Company produced naval vessels under technology transfer agreements negotiated with Lürssen Werft of West Germany. In 1974 and 1975, the company constructed four TNC-45 missile-equipped gunboats for the navy based on Lürssen-designed Zobel-class torpedo gunboats. The West German design was modified to allow for the installation of Israeli-produced Gabriel missiles and a larger gun. The agreement with Lürssen included marketing rights, and Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering constructed lightly armed gunboats for at least two Asian countries. In 1976 and 1977, the company built three TNC-45s for the Thai navy. These vessels had the same armament as the TNC-45s produced for the Singapore navy. In 1986 Singapore Shipbuilding and Engineering negotiated an agreement with the Indian government that provided for joint construction of six TNC-45s for the Indian Coast Guard. Two of these craft were to be built in Singapore and four in India. |
gary1910 - October 29, 2006 05:13 AM (GMT)
Peruvian Armed Forces
Naval Expo October 2006
FOES: Fuerzas de Operaciones Especiales (Navy Special Force)
CIS Ultimax100
Surprise!!!
CIS 40AGL in Peruvian Armed Forces' FOES , another addition into my list!!! ;)
Naval Expo October 2006
FOES: Fuerzas de Operaciones Especiales (Navy Special Force)
CIS Ultimax100
Surprise!!!
CIS 40AGL in Peruvian Armed Forces' FOES , another addition into my list!!! ;)
oerlikon - October 29, 2006 02:59 PM (GMT)
Gary, 1 more. ex RSN Juipter is now in service with Indonesian navy. This is built by ST Marine.
gary1910 - October 29, 2006 07:03 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (oerlikon @ Oct 29 2006, 10:59 PM) |
| Gary, 1 more. ex RSN Juipter is now in service with Indonesian navy. This is built by ST Marine. |
Tks , will update.
homing - November 1, 2006 05:22 AM (GMT)
Unlike other countries and company, Singapore and ST are both very "unwillingly" to disclose its "legal" weapon sale to other country. Makes you wonder how to market products without backing of former sales which is not avaliable. For example take any ST brouchers can you can see if any countries is list as a buy of their weapon.
Shotgun - November 1, 2006 06:38 AM (GMT)
I've heard rumors that some of our sales were pretty ugly, and would be likely to be condemned by the international communities. Eg. Sale of landmines to African nations. Don't take my word for it, cos I heard it as a rumor only.
snowfox - November 1, 2006 08:11 AM (GMT)
Landmine Sales SG Linked happen to know abit about this
Link: http://www.hrw.org/reports97/common/Common4.htm
Link: http://www.hrw.org/reports97/common/Common4.htm
| QUOTE |
| Singapore (Singapore) Singapore, is one of the major antipersonnel landmine producers in the developing world. Singapore's landmines are produced by Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS), one of four groups of defense firms controlled by the state-owned Sheng-Li Holding Company, and through Sheng-Li by the Singapore Ministry of Defense. Sheng-Li's military subsidiaries have grown from a single plant opened in 1967 to a complex network of production, service and marketing companies.(6) CIS sales arm, Unicorn International, maintains offices in London, Dubai and Brunei.(7) They produce and market two antipersonnel mines originated by Italy's Valsella. Press reports identified Singapore as one of the conduits for sales of Valsella-designed mines to Iraq and a partly-declassified U.S. Army Intelligence study confirms that the Singapore-made mines were found in Iraqi arsenals.(8) Singapore produces the SPM-1 (like the Italian VS-50) and the Valmara 69.(9) In May 1996 Singapore declared a two-year limited moratorium on exports of non-self destruct and non-detectable antipersonnel mines. However, it has maintained that antipersonnel landmines are needed for "legitimate self-defense." Singapore voted "Yes" on UNGA Resolution 51/45S, but did not endorse the Brussels declaration and attended the Oslo negotiations only as an observer. |
| QUOTE |
6. Bilveer Singh and Kwa Guan, "The Singapore Defense Industries: Motivations, Organization and Impact," in Chandran Jeshurun (ed.), Arms and Defense in Southeast Asia (Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1989) pp.96-124. 7. Company Profile (undated) for Unicorn International and Chartered Industries of Singapore. 8. U.S. Army Intelligence Agency - U.S. Army Foreign Science and Technology Center, Operation Desert Shield Special Report: Iraqi Engineer Capabilities, 1990. This document was provided to the Arms Project by Greenpeace, which obtained it under the Freedom of Information Act. 9. U.S. Department of Defense Mine Facts CD-ROM Database. |
oerlikon - November 1, 2006 01:02 PM (GMT)
I heard our arms sales to Burma was not very well released by Europeans.
LazerLordz - November 1, 2006 01:34 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (oerlikon @ Nov 1 2006, 09:02 PM) |
| I heard our arms sales to Burma was not very well released by Europeans. |
Unpalatable as it might be, a strong Burmese government is in the interest of Singapore to avoid the possible internal strife that might break out in the opposite scenario.
That might invite China and India to pay too much attention to this region. It's geopolitics that make the truth so unpalatable and nauseaous. The ethnic hill tribes are likely to engage in heightened civil war if the state is weakened.
Shotgun - November 1, 2006 05:00 PM (GMT)
The entire Singapore - Burmese relationship bugs me. What if one day, a not so friendly US president decides to label us an enemy of democracy for supporting the oppressive Burmese military junta?