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17 Jul 2024
In today’s rapidly changing security and threat landscape, staying ahead of the game is key. A programme team from DSTA has successfully delivered a new Light Machine Gun (LMG) – the Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle 6940E-SG to the SAF! The new rifle replaces the Section Automatic Weapon (SAW) Ultimax 100, which has been in service since 1982.
The new LMG is shorter, lighter and has a longer effective range of 600m. (Photo: The Singapore Army)
“The Army keeps a close watch on defence technology developments and regularly reviews the combat effectiveness of our weapon systems,” shares Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Chan Wen Kai, Head Plans, HQ Singapore 9th Division/Infantry, “However, warfighting in increasingly urbanised areas requires troops to be deployable in close-quarter combat. To ensure that our soldiers continue to have a competitive edge, it’s thus timely to upgrade our weapons while ensuring it is future-proof to meet the ever-evolving threats.”
LTC Chan with some members of the DSTA team during a media engagement session on 17 July 2024.
Working in close collaboration with the Singapore Army, DSTA engineers conducted market surveys, trial assessments and technical evaluations of various weapons before identifying Colt Manufacturing’s LMG as the most suitable option for the SAF. “We also conducted safety reviews and acceptance testing to ensure that it met all necessary safety, quality standards and operational requirements,” said Programme Manager (Systems Management) Elizabeth Tan.
The new LMG has been progressively rolled out since April 2024, and all active units will be equipped and trained on by end July 2024. The LMG is much more reliable, accurate and ergonomic. With its Picatinny Rail System, the LMG allows for configuration of accessories to add on new modules, hence providing greater operational flexibility. The dual firing modes also allows operators to switch between precise shots and suppressive fire to suit mission demands. The LMG has a multi-purpose laser aiming device to allow soldiers to operate in different combat scenarios, especially at night.
With an effective range of 600m and a high cyclic rate of up to 1,000 rounds per minute, the LMG thus provides more lethal suppressive fire in both conventional and urban environments. It also has a heat sink which provides better cooling to allow for longer, sustained firing, and three times magnifying scope with red dot sight for greater accuracy and lethality. To ensure optimal performance and comfort, DSTA engineers facilitated in the selection of customised accessories such as the adjustable foregrip for more personalised fit for each soldier, and bipod to increase stability. Lastly, the LMG possesses a retractable buttstock for greater manoeuvrability.
Elizabeth (front row, second from right) with the integrated team at DSTA.
“Stepping into this role was both exciting and challenging. Although I didn't serve national service, I was able to swiftly gain the necessary know-how with a strong team of experienced Armaments colleagues, on top of my prior experience in managing such projects and hands-on experiences during the whole process,” Elizabeth elaborated, “It brings me great satisfaction to witness the successful culmination of this project – especially knowing that the new weapons will significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of our soldiers!”