SAR-21
Summary
| Country | 🇸🇬 Singapore |
| Category | Bullpup assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS) |
Technical specifications
| SAR-21 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 450 - 650 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 805 mm (31.7 in) |
| Weight | 3.82 kg (8.4 lb) |
| Range | 460 m (1509 ft) |
Description
The Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century (SAR 21) is a 5.56x45mm caliber bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured in Singapore by Chartered Industries of Singapore (CIS), now ST Engineering Land Systems. Revealed and adopted by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1999 as their standard service weapon, it was developed over four years by MINDEF, the Singapore Army, and CIS to replace the locally license-built M16S1. Development was partly driven by licensing limitations that prevented Singapore from exporting the M16S1 or creating new designs based upon it. An indigenous design was chosen over procuring foreign weapons like the M16A2 to ensure ease of use for the SAF's conscript soldiers and to develop a weapon with low maintenance requirements, addressing rising costs associated with the M16S1. A patent for the design was filed in the United States on November 19, 2002. Commercial efforts included marketing in the US via VT Systems. Allegations of improper partnership concerning the SAR 21 Modular Mounting System led to STK being blacklisted by the Indian Defence Ministry in 2009. A Next Generation SAR was unveiled in 2024.
The SAR 21 incorporates a long stroke gas system and a two-lug Stoner-style bolt. Its furniture is constructed from high-impact polymer, and the barrel is cold hammer forged. Translucent magazines provide visual confirmation of remaining ammunition. An integrated Laser Aiming Device, powered by an AA battery, offers visible or infrared beams and can be set for steady or momentary activation via a thumb pressure switch. Patented safety features include a Kevlar cheek plate and a high-pressure vent designed to protect the shooter from chamber failures. An integral 1.5x optical scope within the carrying handle is factory-zeroed. Early operational feedback highlighted issues such as the fire selector location, trigger feel, weight, muzzle blast, limitations perceived by left-handed users due to safety features, iron sight fragility, and scope reticle visibility in darkness. Subsequent design iterations addressed the trigger pull and iron sight durability, while operational procedures were refined to manage aspects like magazine changes and handedness considerations.
Variants of the SAR 21 include:
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SAR 21 Light Machine Gun: features an open bolt, heavy barrel, bipod, and foregrip.
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SAR 21 Sharpshooter: features a 3.0x optical sight with luminous reticle paint.
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SAR 21 Grenade Launcher: accommodates a CIS 40 GL or M203 with various targeting systems.
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SAR 21 Picatinny rail variant: replaces the integral optic with a rail and relocates the charging handle.
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Modular Mounting System (MMS): removes the integral optic and LAD for accessory attachment, also relocating the charging handle and available with different barrel lengths.
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Lightweight Carbine variant: has an ultra-short barrel, shorter handguards, and a Picatinny rail.
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Round Corner Firing (RCF) module: allows urban operations from cover.
The SAR 21A prototype showed features like a sturdier ambidextrous selector, lighter weight, a full Picatinny rail, and a higher rate of fire.
The SAR 21 was adopted as the standard service rifle by the Singapore Armed Forces in 1999, replacing the M16S1 to address operational limitations of the M16S1 encountered by infantry units. It is also marketed for export use. Operational challenges related to unfamiliarity with the bullpup layout among early users were mitigated through refined training procedures and subsequent design improvements on later production models.
Users of the SAR 21 include the Singapore Armed Forces. It is also in service with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, elements of the Indonesian Air Force's Korps Pasukan Khas, special forces in Peru, special forces in Thailand, special forces in Sri Lanka, Morocco, and Botswana who is replacing the FN FAL with the SAR 21 as of 2017.