SAF moving to acquire smart mortar shells from US

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) could be acquiring 2,000 precision-guided mortar rounds from the United States in an estimated US$66 million (S$92.6 million) deal, after receiving approval from the US State Department. 

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Singapore had requested a possible sale of 2,000 XM395 Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI) rounds, along with US government and contractor services as well as associated support equipment and services. 

“The Government of Singapore intends to use these defence articles to modernise its armed forces to meet current and future threats, to strengthen its homeland defence, and to provide greater security for its economic infrastructure,” the DSCA said in a statement on Tuesday (March 14), adding that the State Department had given the green light.

In response to queries from TODAY, the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that the SAF intends to acquire 120mm guided mortar munitions. 

“The acquisition process is in the preliminary stage, and the SAF is considering several options.” 

Mindef did not specify what options it is considering. The accuracy of the satellite-guided APMI round is a key factor behind Singapore’s interest in it, military experts told TODAY. 

The implementation of the deal will require US officials or contractor representatives to travel to Singapore for one week for equipment fielding and tests, said DSCA, which is part of the Pentagon. 

The agency said it had notified Congress on Monday of the possible sale, with defence company Orbital ATK being the main contractor. 

“This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country which has been, and continues to be, an important partner and force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region,” the DSCA said. Orbital ATK’s website states that its APMI round is compatible with existing 120mm smooth-bore mortar systems.
 
The SAF has the 120mm smooth-bore Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System, which was developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics.

Orbital ATK also says that the XM395 rounds provide “quick, reliable and lethal” firing capabilities, with in-built satellite guidance allowing for precision strikes.

Defence analysts say that the APMI’s accuracy would be particularly useful in urban combat. 

In contrast, regular mortar fire is notoriously inaccurate, often resulting in collateral damage and unnecessary casualties in an urban setting. “The weapon is believed to be the first ‘smart’ munition acquired for the Singapore Army’s 120mm mortars,” defence blogger David Boey told TODAY.

Singapore’s possible acquisition of the weapon would mark a “capability leap” for the country’s infantry and armour units, which are the main users of the 120mm mortars in service, added Mr Boey, who is a member of Mindef’s Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence.

“The ability to lay down more accurate mortar fire reduces the amount of ammunition needed to destroy a target, improving the combat effectiveness of mortar units as they can dispense their ammunition with greater lethality,” he said. “The time taken to conduct a fire mission will also be reduced, as mortar bombs can be sent downrange as quickly as these munitions are programmed with the target’s coordinates.”

Dr Graham Ong-Webb, a research fellow with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, noted that the SAF’s interest in the APMI is in line with the global trend of advanced militaries deploying more precise munitions. 

“This system will be one of many things that will contribute to Singapore’s building of a Third-Generation SAF, whose modernisation is synonymous with integration, flexibility and precision,” he said. 

“The whole point is to field those capabilities that can ensure not only the peace and security of Singapore, but also contribute to that of the region.” ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY RAYMOND THAM