Singapore military gets US$73m tech upgrade

SINGAPORE, June 20 — The United States (US) has approved a possible US$73 million (RM300.03 million) military sale to Singapore to upgrade its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), the US Department of State said.

The department said Singapore has requested 18 Common Fire Control System (CFCS) upgrade kits for the HIMARS, along with support equipment, technical documentation, spare parts, training, and US government and contractor technical support.

Lockheed Martin of Dallas, Texas, will serve as the principal contractor, while the package also includes engineering and logistics support services, field office support, and other programme support elements.

“This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the US by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia.

“It will improve Singapore’s capability to meet current and future threats by enhancing and extending its army’s ability to conduct operations and enable effective training,” the US Department of State said in a statement.

The department emphasised that Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing this training into its armed forces.

"The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region," it added. — Bernama