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Saturday, May 31, 2025
Commentary on SGSecure Social Experiments
Friday, May 30, 2025
Republic of Singapore Air Force RSAF Unmanned Ground Vehicle carries sharp sting
As the author of a fictional war story, Pukul Habis, I thought I'd use the same creative licence to assess the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) at Exercise Rover on Tuesday 27 May 2025.
The UGV seen in an image posted RSAF Facebook appears to be fitted with a remote weapon station (RWS) similar to the ST Engineering Adder Lite RWS. What looks like a flash hider just visible in a front profile of the vehicle appears to indicate the muzzle of a 7.62mm GPMG. Interestingly, this front profile image was later replaced by an image showing the UGV from the rear - which means we now have front and back views of the UGV (Thank you!).
The RWS mount carries three payload modules. The box on the right appears to house the UGV operator's observation and weapon sighting system. This could include a thermal imager (centre), day/night camera and possibly a laser range finder. The centre box could be fitted with an LRAD while the leftmost payload, which is the longest object mounted on the RWS, could be the sharp end of the Adder Lite. As speculated earlier, there could be a GPMG under the streamlined shroud that covers the weapon, protecting it from dust and possibly shell fragments.
In an RSAF video, the UGV was seen providing close support to 606 Force Protection Squadron personnel in an anti-intruder scenario at Sembawang Air Base. If the armament and sensor suite is confirmed, the fire support provided by an unmanned weapon platform that could be sent to deal with dull, dirty and dangerous situations would no doubt enhance the operational readiness and effectiveness of RSAF airbase defence troops.
One of the personnel seen attending to the vehicle appears to be from ST Engg Land Systems.
If confirmed, this UGV will not be the first of its kind in Singapore. ST Engg Land Systems is known to have tested a prototype unmanned Hunter armed with a 30mm RWS and this weapon is featured in a fictional scenario in Pukul Habis.
All the above purely fictional. Hope you found the speculation insightful.
Have a great weekend!