Singapore Army Upgrades with New Light Machine GunSingapore Army Upgrades with New Light Machine Gun The Singapore Army is set to complete its transition to a new light machine gun (LMG) by the end of July, according to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) 6940E-SG All active combat and combat support units are now equipped with and trained on the Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) 6940E-SG. The LMG aims to replace the Singapore-made Section Automatic Weapon (SAW) Ultimax 100, which has been in service since 1982. Enhanced Capabilities The Colt IAR offers several advantages over its predecessor. It is shorter, lighter, and boasts a greater effective range. These features provide soldiers with increased mobility and accuracy. Urban Operations Focus Lieutenant Colonel Chan Wen Kai from the 9th Singapore Division/Infantry headquarters explained that the Army recognized the shift towards urban operations. The Colt IAR’s reduced size and enhanced capabilities allow soldiers to minimize collateral damage while operating in complex urban environments. Operational Flexibility The new LMG also enhances the Army’s capabilities on conventional terrain. It provides greater operational flexibility, allowing soldiers to adapt to various combat scenarios. Improved Ergonomics Lieutenant Colonel Chan emphasized the improved ergonomics of the Colt IAR. The LMG’s design reduces soldier fatigue and improves handling during extended operations. Procurement and Evaluation The Colt IAR was procured through a partnership with the Defense Science and Technology Agency. It is currently in service with the Mexican Marine Corps but was not selected by the U.S. Marines after a trial in 2010.
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Army will fully transition to a new light machine gun (LMG) by the end of July, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Wednesday (July 17).
All active combat and combat support units are equipped with and gradually trained on the Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) 6940E-SG.
The Army has been gradually introducing the LMG to its soldiers since April to replace the Singapore-made Section Automatic Weapon (SAW) Ultimax 100, which has been in service since 1982.
The LMG was produced by Colt’s Manufacturing, a company headquartered in the United States, and was evaluated and procured in partnership with the Defense Science and Technology Agency.
LMGs are infantry support weapons designed to provide soldiers with suppressive firepower, allowing a unit to move or advance effectively.
The Colt IAR is also currently in service with the Mexican Marine Corps. It was not selected by the U.S. Marines after a trial in 2010.
Compared to its predecessor, the LMG is shorter, lighter and has a greater effective range.
“In recent years, we have recognized the increasing prevalence of urban operations and the need to minimize collateral damage, especially when our soldiers operate in a complex urban environment,” Lieutenant Colonel Chan Wen Kai, head of plans at the 9th Singapore Division/Infantry headquarters, told the media on Wednesday.
“We felt it was time for our Army to replace our SAW to meet these new challenges.”
In addition to close-range combat, the new LMG will also enable the army to operate more effectively on conventional terrain, he added.
He described the new LMG as providing “greater operational flexibility and improved ergonomics for our soldiers”.
