FIRST HIMARS BATTERY OPERATIONAL

Pinpoint accuracy over distances as long as 70 kilometres. This is just one of the capabilities which the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) brings to the table.

On 5 Sep, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officially welcomed the HIMARS into its fold with a ceremony to mark its commissioning and the operationalisation of the first HIMARS battery at Khatib Camp.

During the ceremony, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen saw a demonstration of the deployment and operation of the HIMARS as part of a networked force that included other land platforms.

In his speech, Dr Ng said: "The successful induction of the HIMARS reflects well on the ability of the SAF to respond decisively to new challenges and changing circumstances in its operational environment."

Equipped with the Battlefield Management System (BMS), the HIMARS is fully connected to its command headquarters and Strike Observer Mission Teams on the ground. Other SAF air and land platforms, such as fighter aircraft and infantry fighting vehicles, are also connected via the BMS.

With the enhanced situational awareness and transmission of critical battlefield information provided by the BMS, the HIMARS can quickly respond to calls for fire and deliver precision fire on targets.

Deadly accurate and mobile, each HIMARS launcher can dispatch its six rockets to targets 70km away. Its 6.6 litre turbo-charged diesel engine powers the almost 16-ton behemoth to a top speed of 94kmh.

"With its long range and speed, the HIMARS can stay well behind the front line. When opposing forces open fire, we are able to stay well out of its range but yet still be able to deliver accurate counter-fire." explained Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Koh, Commanding Officer, 23rd Battalion Singapore Artillery (23 SA).

While the Singapore Army's 3rd Generation transformation leverages on technology that provides superior weaponry and reduces reliance on manpower, it translates into heavier responsibilities for the three-man crew which operates each HIMARS launcher. "It is ultimately the professionalism and commitment of our people that will translate the latest weapon systems into effective capabilities," said Dr Ng.

This message was not lost on each of the crew members who work as a tightly integrated team to operate the HIMARS. "When the fire mission comes down, all three of us are very independent and we know exactly what to do," said Full-time National Serviceman 3rd Sergeant Daniel Tan, citing the comprehensive training which the Battery has undergone in the past 12 months.

The SAF took delivery of the HIMARS in July last year, and conducted its inaugural battery live firing in November 2010 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, US.

The HIMARS, which is operated by Bravo Battery of 23 SA, provides artillery forces with precision fire power, enhanced mobility and advanced networking capabilities.