S’pore army gets more accurate, ergonomic light machine gun

Infantry soldiers here have started using a more reliable, accurate and ergonomic light machine gun (LMG) that is better suited for close-quarters combat.

- Mike Yeo

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) announced on May 20 that the army has progressively been equipping its soldiers with the Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) 6940E-SG since April, replacing the Singapore-made Ultimax 100 Automatic Section Weapon (SAW), which has been in service since 1982.

Made by US-headquartered Colt's Manufacturing, the 6940ESG LMGs were evaluated and procured in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Agency, the SAF said on Facebook.

The new LMG comes with "many features that provide enhanced lethality, improved ergonomics and customisation to better suit the needs of our soldiers", it added.

For instance, fire controls can be accessed from both sides of the weapon, which means both leftand right-handed soldiers can operate the LMG with greater ease.

The new LMG's foregrip and buttstock can be adjusted for a more personalised fit, while a picatinny rail allows for the weapon to be customised with new modules to meet the army's future needs.