New ST Kinetics BR18 5.56mm caliber bullpup assault rifle at Singapore AirShow 2018


The Defense Company of Singapore, ST Kinetics unveils its new 5.56mm bullpup rifle BR18 at Singapore Air Show 2018, fully designed and developed by the Singaporean Company and now ready for production. The BR18 was designed based on the SAR21, a 5.56mm caliber bullpup assault rifle also designed and manufactured by ST Kinetics.


New ST Kinetics BR18 5 56mm caliber bullpup assault rifle at Singapore AirShow 2018 925 001
ST Kinetics BR18 bullpup assault rifle unveiled at Singapore AirShow 2018 (Picture source Army Recognition)


A bullpup is a firearm with its action and magazine far behind its trigger group. This configuration permits a shorter overall weapon for a given barrel length. This maintains the advantages of a longer barrel in muzzle velocity and accuracy while improving maneuverability and reducing weight.

The BR18 is a gas operated compact rifle system designed for the modern armed forces. A highly flexible mission-configurable weapon system with the shortest length, BR18 is lightweight and compact, with fully ambidextrous operations to enhance the soldier's warfighting capabilities in urban operations.

The BR18 is a highly accurate weapon that can be fired from both left and right sides without any modification. It has enhanced safety features, dry lubrication coating, low recoil, dual magazine capability (SAR21/STANAG) and comes with MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for optical aiming systems and other tactical accessories.

The BR18 is based on the well-proven concept of SAR21, and incorporates the latest technologies in the small arms market, such as advanced manufacturing processes and materials, dry lubrication coating, heat management technology and enhanced ergonomics. The weapon is fully ambidextrous with cocking handle on the right and left side of the weapon, along with firing selector and the magazine release button which are duplicated on both sides of the rifle.

The BR18 is available in three configurations, as assault rifle, marksman rifle and light machine gun rifle. In assault rifle version, the BR18 has an overall length of 645mm with a barrel length of 368. It is chambered for 5.56x45mm M193 and NATO SS109 ammunition and has a rate of fire of 650 to 850 rpm. As the SAR-21, the BR18 is fed using proprietary 30-rounds box magazines, made from the translucent plastic.

The standard sighting equipment of the BR-18 includes an integral 1.5X magnification telescope sight, with the emergency backup open sights formed at the top of the telescope housing.