Singapore: new Rafael unmanned turret for Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle

March 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry
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The Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV) designed to equip the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has received a new unmanned turret developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. On March 1, Singaporean reporter Mike Yeo published on his Twitter account a photograph showing the so-updated version of the AFV.

Singapore new Rafael unmanned turret for Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle 1
The Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV) fitted with the new turret (Picture source: Twitter account of Mike Yeo @TheBaseLeg)

At Singapore AirShow 2018, ST Engineering presented for the first time to the public its Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV), developed together with the Defence Science and Technology Agency. The vehicle was unveiled in May 2017 during a demonstration at the Army Open House of the Singapore Armed Forces. The vehicle is developed to replace the ageing M113A2 APCs currently in service with the Singapore army. The SAF mechanised units will operate the NGAFV alongside its Bionix IFV.

Singapore new Rafael unmanned turret for Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle 2
The Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV) displayed at Singapore AirShow 2018 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The improved version of the NGAFV is fitted with a new version of the Samson 30 unmanned turret. In addition to the 30mm automatic cannon and coaxial machine gun, the new turret developed by Rafael integrates two independent sights, and two multi-purpose guided missiles, recessed launchers for smoke grenades. This all-in-one system can locate the fire source, enabling the crew to return fire effectively with a Samson 30 unmanned turret or by interfacing with other fighting platforms via the BMS network.

The NGAFV is based on a tracked chassis equipped with a remotely operated weapon station initially armed with a 30mm automatic cannon, a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, and 8 76mm smoke grenade launchers. It has a crew of three: driver, commander and gunner. The troop compartment can accommodate eight infantrymen. The vehicle weighs 29 tons.

The NGAFV hull is based on all-welded steel armour that can be fitted with an appliqué layer of passive armour to increase protection against ballistic and mine threats. The vehicle is based on a modular design offering the possibility to removed and replaced the armour package according to new threats and customers requirements. Network-enabled and equipped with a fully integrated camera suite, the NGAFV offers class-leading crew situational awareness as well as uncompromised combat and navigation performance under full armour protection.