Singapore Airshow 2024: ST Engineering debuts Next Generation Singapor…

ST Engineering's Next Generation Singapore Assault Rifle, unveiled for the first time at the Singapore Airshow 2024. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

ST Engineering has unveiled the latest iteration to its Singapore Assault Rifle – 21st Century (SAR 21).

Known as the Next Generation SAR (Next Gen SAR), the 5.56 mm weapon was unveiled at the Singapore Airshow2024, which is taking place at the Changi Exhibition Centre from 20 to 25 February.

The Next Gen SAR has been positioned as a weapon that features the advantages of a bullpup rifle in terms of compactness and better suitability for close-quarter battles in urban environments but maintains the flexibility to be fitted with conventional warfare accessories.

Besides a standard configuration, the Next Gen SAR comes in the sharpshooter configuration that is incorporated with a fire-control system that can detect moving targets, and a grenade-launching configuration that is integrated with ST Engineering's STK40GL side-loading launcher.

The Next Gen SAR weighs approximately 4 kg and has a rifling twist rate of one in 178 mm (one in seven inches). Similar to the SAR 21, the weapon has a barrel length of 508 mm and an overall length of between 670 mm and 810 mm depending on the configuration opted for.

Another added feature to the Next Gen SAR is that it features ambidextrous ejection to better suit the firing positions for left-handed shooters, and an adjustable butt-stock for better ergonomics.

For more information on the SAR 21, please see SAR 21 series 5.56 mm assault rifle.