The Singapore Army has unveiled a new addition to its arsenal: the Colt Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) 6940E-SG. This Light Machine Gun (LMG) has been progressively introduced to the country’s combat forces, starting from April 24, 2024, and is set to replace the Section Automatic Weapon (SAW) Ultimax 100, which has been in service since 1982 and is manufactured by the local defense giant, ST Engineering.
The announcement of the new weapon was made via the Singapore Army’s official Facebook page on May 20, 2024. The Colt IAR was evaluated and procured in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), showcasing the nation’s commitment to harnessing technology and innovation for its defense capabilities.
Upon comparing the Colt IAR and the SAW Ultimax 100, several key differences and improvements become evident. The Colt IAR is a closed-bolt rifle, offering enhanced lethality and improved ergonomics. This new weapon boasts features such as a Red Dot Sight with a 3x Magnifier Scope and four modes of Laser Aiming Device (LAD) for various combat scenarios. These advanced optics allow for increased accuracy and versatility in different environments.
Another significant advantage of the Colt IAR is its ambidextrous design, which caters to both left and right-handed soldiers. Soldiers can easily adjust the foregrip position and length of the buttstock to achieve a more personalized fit, enhancing comfort and control during operation.
The Colt IAR’s compact size is another notable improvement, with a retracted buttstock reducing the weapon’s length to 85cm – 17% shorter than the SAW Ultimax 100. This reduction in length makes the LMG more maneuverable in tight spaces and ideal for close-quarter combat in urban environments.
In 2023, it was reported that Colt’s IAR was in competition with Heckler & Koch’s M27 5.56 mm IAR to become the Singapore Army’s new weapon of choice. The Colt IAR, based on the M-16/M-4 Carbine family, emerged as the victor. This new weapon provides sustained, fully automatic fire, is lighter, and features a shorter barrel and a higher rate of fire than its predecessor.
Singapore has a rich history of producing weapons for its military, beginning with the production of the Colt AR-15 and M-16 assault rifles as its standard-issue rifles in the 1970s. The nation continued to develop its indigenous defense capabilities with the SAR-21, a bullpup assault rifle that entered service in 2003. The acquisition of the Colt IAR is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to advancing its defense technology and ensuring the readiness of its armed forces.