Hunter AFV Information

The Hunter AFV is a tracked Singaporean armoured fighting vehicle jointly developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics (formerly Singapore Technologies Automotive), which is a part of ST Engineering, Defence Science and Technology Agency, and the Singapore Army. Intended to replace the Singapore Armys aging Ultra M113 armoured personnel carriers, it was commissioned in 2019. It is the Singapore Armys first fully digitalised platform and is designed to provide armoured forces with enhanced capabilities to operate more effectively and efficiently in various phases of military operations.Commissioning Video

Singapore Army Hunter AFV

Development of the Hunter started in 2006 as a project of the Singapore defence ministrys Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

In March 2017, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that its land systems arm, Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd (ST Kinetics), has been awarded a contract by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the production and supply of the Next Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV).

The next generation AFV would replace the Ultra M113 AFV as a key component of the Singapore Armed Forces’ mechanized forces which has been in service with the Singapore Army since the early 70s. Delivery of the AFVs began in 2019. The vehicle would be delivered in troop carrier, command and recovery variants.

The prototype model was exhibited at the Singapore Airshow in 2018 and earlier to the public at the Singapore Army Open House 2017.

As of mid-2019, the pioneer batch of instructors and commanders are undergoing training, with the first battalion expected to be formed in early 2020.The 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment (42 SAR) has been designated the pioneering battalion operating the Hunter.

The layout of the Hunter is conventional with the driver at the front left with a rearward opening hinged hatch and the turret in the center with the troop compartment at the rear. The vehicle commanders station is fitted with a top hatch and a single front facing periscope while the gunner has two periscopes. The vehicle commander and gunner are seated behind the power pack. Access to the troop compartment at the rear of the vehicle is by a power-operated ramp, which can operate as an emergency access and exit door. There are also two roof hatches, hinged to open forward, which are provided for the troopers seated next to the rear ramp. The production models come with in-built air conditioning.

The Hunter AFV is able to travel longer distances due to its increased speed and operating range.

Equipped with a “drive-by-wire” capability, the vehicle commander can take over the driving functions from the driver when required.

The AFV’s exterior carries an all-round surveillance system that gives the crew a 360-degree field of vision, enabling them to operate close-hatched and remain protected inside the vehicle.

A laser warning system provides early warnings when the crew is being targeted by enemy forces.

Sporting a next-generation tactical command and control system (Artemis- Army Tactical Engagement and Information System) , the crew will be able to operate the vehicle in a fully digitised environment, with digitised mission planning enabling efficient wireless information exchange between military formations and vehicles.

Low latency network radios and wide area communication networks enhance the Hunter AFV’s connectivity by allowing for faster data transfer and wider range.

The Remote Controlled Weapon System is integrated with the command and control system for the crew to quickly identify and share information about a target with neighbouring forces.

The Hunter AFV is also equipped with “vehicle health status” monitoring (HUMS or Health and Utilisation Monitoring System) as part of its “smart vehicle” maintenance and management system.

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