The Singapore Army has quietly introduced the Elbit Systems Sigma 155mm L/52 truck-mounted howitzer, as well as a new loitering munition, as part of a broader effort to modernise its artillery capabilities.
Both systems were photographed during the Singapore Armed Forces’ 50th anniversary parade of 6 Division, a combined-arms formation. This image provided the first public indication that the two systems have entered service.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said the Truck Mounted Gun, as it calls it, will be progressively introduced into service to replace tracked Primus and towed FH-2000 artillery pieces.
Singapore’s former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen first disclosed this next-generation howitzer programme in 2019. The system was described as a highly automated artillery platform intended to replace the FH-2000, while reducing the manpower required to operate it from a nine-person crew.
Elbit Systems announced in 2021 that it had secured a US$106 million Sigma deal with an unspecific Asia-Pacific country. This was presumably Singapore, with the terms of the deal to be fulfilled within five years.
The Israeli company stated the Sigma has a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds per minute, and that the vehicle carries 40 projectiles, 216 modular charge units and 45 primers in fully automated magazines. The automated loading system enables the weapon to engage targets through a full 360° arc.
The system also has a multiple-round simultaneous impact capability, allowing several projectiles fired at different trajectories to arrive on a target simultaneously.
Mounted on a 10×10 truck chassis, the Sigma can reportedly transition from travelling to firing configuration in approximately 30 seconds. This compares with around 90 seconds for the FH-2000 to deploy and displace, according to Singapore Army data.
The Sigma was introduced into Israeli service in March 2025 under the designation Roem.
Also on display in the parade was an unidentified loitering munition, configured in 3×3 canisters mounted on a Isuzu D-Max utility vehicle.
Known as the Precision Land Shooter, MINDEF said it is a “precision strike capability that supports the army’s ability to respond with greater precision and speed in increasingly complex and urbanised operating environments”.
6 Division also houses Headquarters Sense & Strike, which is responsible for integrating tactical intelligence and fires capabilities, including artillery and airpower, with manoeuvre forces.
Highly mobile, indirect-fire capabilities have become an increasing focus for the Singapore Army as its land forces become more mechanised and motorised.
The Singapore Armed Forces have also been developing new concepts for the employment of uncrewed and asymmetric systems, reflecting lessons from recent conflicts. Particularly, this includes the widespread use of drones and other low-cost systems on the modern battlefield.
by Chen Chuanren
