SAR 21 Developed jointly by the Singapore Army, the Defence Technology Group and the Chartered Industries of Singapore (now called Singapore Technologies Kinetics), the SAR 21 was developed as a new- generation rifle to replace the American- developed M- 16. Built from a tough, high- impact polymer, the SAR 21 is 20 per cent shorter than the M- 16. This makes it easier for soldiers to manoeuvre in dense vegetation and tunnels, and inside armoured vehicles and helicopters. It has a built- in laser- aiming device and a 1.5X optical scope, which improves aim in low light. The SAR 21 is reliable, and has low recoil, allowing soldiers better control. It can fire at 450– 650 rounds per minute and has a range of 460 m. It incorporates various features, such as a Kevlar cheek plate that protects the user in the unlikely event of a chamber explosion. The weapon was launched on 11 September 1999.

Photo credit: PIONEER/ Ministry of Defence