Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle

Singapore Army commissioned it's newest armoured vehicle on 12 June 2019.  The Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) will replace the Ultra M113 AFVs.  The Ultra is a locally upgraded version of the M113 first introduced in 1973.

The Hunter AFV was jointly developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in collaboration with the Singapore Army and ST Engineering. It is armed with a 30mm Cannon in a with a 7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun (CMG) in a Remote Controlled Weapon Station.  Some variant of the Hunter will have a telescopic twin launcher for Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM).  The defensive system includes a Warning System (LWS) and 8 x 76mm Smoke Grenade Launchers.

The crew of three sit in the hull in an Integrated Combat Cockpit. The vehicle commander and gunner to operate the vehicle and weapons using a common set of controls. The Hunter is equipped with an automatic target detection and tracking system, easing the workload of the gunner. The vehicle commander has an independent commander's sight, which allows him to concurrently scan for other targets whilst the gunner is engaging a target. The vehicle is equipped with a drive-by-wire system, which allows the vehicle commander to take over the driving functions from the driver if necessary.

Technical Specifications
Dismounted Troops : Up to 8
Dimension: Length 6.9m, Width 3.4m, Height 3.4m, Weight 29.5 Tonnes

Power to Weight Ratio: 24 hp/ton
Maximum Speed: 70km/h
Range : 500km




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Update on Indonesia SU-35 Purchase

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The deal had to comply with Indonesia's Defence Industry Law which specifies the conditions for defence procurement to include offset benefits. Half of the contract's value will be financed through counter-trade, with Russia expected to take in a list of commodities and goods such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, copra, paper, spices, tea, textiles and footwear, processed fish, furniture and machinery.

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High-Frequency Synthetic Aperture Sonar, which can capture high-resolution images of underwater objects in challenging conditions.

The MERCURY AUV is not tethered and carries out its missions autonomously. This allows it to cover a much larger area, go deeper or operate at a longer standoff range from the launch vessel.  Multiple vehicles can also be operated cooperatively for better operational effectiveness. The AUV is easily deployed from shore or any Craft of Opportunity without the need for specialized handling equipment. 

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Pioneer Magazine