View source for SAR 21

{{distinguish|TAR-21}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = SAR 21
| image = SAR 21 (cropped).png
| image_size = 300
| caption = SAR 21, right side view. Pictured SAR 21 is attached with the Round Corner Firing (RCF) module and has had its magazine removed.
| origin = [[Singapore]]
| type = [[Bullpup]] [[assault rifle]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged = Yes
<!-- Service history -->| service = 1999–present<ref name="JGRG2008">Richard J, 2008.</ref>
| used_by = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars = <!-- Production history -->
| designer = Tuck Wah Chee and Felix Tsai of [[Chartered Industries of Singapore]]/[[ST Kinetics]]<ref name="Patent">{{cite web |url=https://patents.google.com/patent/US6481144 |access-date=24 July 2010 |title=United States Patent Chee et a.}}</ref>
| design_date = 1996<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| manufacturer = • CIS: 1999–2000<ref name="JGRG2008"/><br />• [[ST Kinetics]]: 2000–present<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| unit_cost = 
| production_date = 1999–present<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| number = 
| variants = See ''[[#Variants|variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->| weight = • SAR 21: {{convert|4|kg|lb|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="JGRG2008"/> <br />• SAR 21 GL/M203: {{convert|5.3|kg|abbr=on}} <br />• SAR 21 P-Rail: {{convert|3.6|kg|abbr=on}} <br />• SAR 21 MMS: {{convert|3.5|kg|abbr=on}} <br />• SAR 21 Light Weight Carbine {{convert|3|kg|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|805|mm|in|abbr=on}} (SAR 21, SAR 21 40 GL/M203, SAR 21 P-Rail)<br /> {{convert|680|mm|abbr=on|1}} (SAR 21 MMS)<br /> {{convert|640|mm|abbr=on|1}} (SAR 21 Light Weight Carbine)
| part_length = {{convert|508|mm|abbr=on|1}}<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| width = 
| height = 
| diameter = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge = [[5.56×45mm NATO]]<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| caliber = {{Convert|5.56|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| barrels = Single barrel 1:12" and 1:7" twist options <ref name= brochure/>
| action = [[Gas-operated reloading|Gas-operated]], [[rotating bolt]]
| rate = 450–650 rounds/min<ref name="JGRG2008"/>
| velocity = {{convert|970|m/s|0|abbr=on}} (M193)<br /> {{convert|945|m/s|abbr=on|1}} (SS109)
| range = 460 m (M193)<br /> 800 m (SS109)
| max_range = 
| feed = 30-round detachable plastic [[box magazine]]<br />
Export models: [[STANAG magazine]]s<ref name=brochure>{{cite web |publisher=[[ST Engineering]] |access-date=24 July 2010 |title=SAR 21 Product Brochure |url=http://www.stengg.com/download/pdf/sba/land-systems/sar21.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104013406/http://www.stengg.com/download/pdf/sba/land-systems/sar21.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
| sights = 1.5x or 3x optical sight; back-up [[iron sight]]s
}}

The '''SAR 21''' ("'''Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century'''") is a [[bullpup]] [[assault rifle]] designed and manufactured in [[Singapore]], chambered for the [[5.56×45mm NATO|5.56x45mm]] cartridge. First revealed and subsequently adopted by the [[Singapore Armed Forces]] (SAF) as its standard service weapon in 1999, it was designed and developed over a four-year period to replace the locally license-built [[M16 rifle#Others|M16S1]]<ref name= brochure/> by the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)]], [[Singapore Army]] and the former [[ST Kinetics|Chartered Industries of Singapore]] (CIS), presently [[ST Kinetics|ST Engineering Land Systems]].<ref name="Fact">{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/1999/sep/11sep99_nr/11sep99_fs.html |title=Factsheet - Singapore Assault Rifle 21 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Singaporean Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)]] |access-date=24 July 2010 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121225092029/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/1999/sep/11sep99_nr/11sep99_fs.html |archive-date=25 December 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Many of its design features are directly intended to address the weaknesses of the M16S1 as encountered operationally by some infantrymen.<ref name="JGRG2008"/> The rifle is being sold for export use aside from domestic use.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htinf/19991119.aspx |title=Infantry Article Index |date=19 November 1999 |access-date=24 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222034057/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htinf/19991119.aspx |archive-date=22 February 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> In the United States, it was marketed by ST Kinetics via its American subsidiary, VT Systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/07/1060145799308.html |title=Call to arms in Singapore yields explosive results |date=3 August 2003 |access-date=24 July 2010 |publisher=[[Fairfax Media|Fairfax Digital]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105050334/http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/08/07/1060145799308.html |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History==
Since the mid-80s, the SAF had an outstanding requirement to replace the M16S1, in use since 1973, in part due to licensing limitations that prevented Singapore from exporting the M16S1 or making new assault rifles based on it.<ref name="SAR-21">{{Cite web |url=http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=2937 |title=SAR-21: Singapore's Bullpup Assault Rifle |date=July 2000 |access-date=2 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802071623/http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=2937 |archive-date=2 August 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1994, a proposal by the SAF was submitted to MINDEF for options to either procure new weapons (thought was given to purchase the [[M16 rifle|M16A2]]) or to develop an indigenous rifle.<ref name= cutshaw>{{cite news |title=Singapore is rearing SAR 21 bullpup rifle for home and export requirement |author=Charles Q Cutshaw |publisher=[[Jane's International Defence Review]]: Land Forces News |url=http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/idr/idr000531_2_n.shtml |date=31 May 2000 |access-date=2010-10-29 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080225162749/http://www.janes.com/defence/land_forces/news/idr/idr000531_2_n.shtml |archive-date = 2008-02-25}}</ref> On 19 November 2002, a patent was filed with the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] by Tuck Wah Chee and Felix Tsai with the patent number 6,481,144 B1.<ref name="Patent"/>

MINDEF officials, after consultations with the SAF, decided against buying weapons off the shelf as it would require soldiers to adjust to the new weapon, choosing instead to develop a weapon, designed and made specifically for ease of use by conscript soldiers of the SAF, who are mostly of slighter physiques. Coupled with the rising costs of maintaining the M16S1s, this made it more justifiable to develop a low-maintenance weapon.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

In 2009, criminal charges were filed against former Indian Ordnance Factory Board director Sudipta Ghosh for corruption, among the allegations were an improper partnership with [[ST Kinetics|STK]] over supplying Indian law enforcement with the SAR 21 Modular Mounting System.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.stratpost.com/anatomy-of-a-blacklist-singapore-technologies/ |title = Anatomy of a blacklist: Singapore Technologies {{!}} StratPost| date=24 August 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Ordnance Factory Board Scam – Compendium of Arms Trade Corruption|date=7 May 2019|url=https://sites.tufts.edu/corruptarmsdeals/the-ordnance-factory-board-scam/|access-date=2021-09-04|language=en-US|archive-date=29 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829074418/https://sites.tufts.edu/corruptarmsdeals/the-ordnance-factory-board-scam/|url-status=dead}}</ref> STK and several foreign firms involved were blacklisted by the Indian Defence Ministry.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=TNN|date=May 20, 2009|title=Ex-DG of ordnance factory arrested on graft charges {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ex-dg-of-ordnance-factory-arrested-on-graft-charges/articleshow/4552945.cms|access-date=2021-09-04|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2012-03-05|title=Ordnance scam: Defence ministry blacklists six firms|url=https://www.firstpost.com/fwire/ordnance-scam-defence-ministry-blacklists-six-firms-234773.html|access-date=2021-09-04|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

On February 19, 2024, the Next Generation SAR (Singapore Assault Rifle) was unveiled by ST Engineering at the Singapore Airshow 2024 event.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/weapons/singapore-airshow-2024-st-engineering-debuts-next-generation-singapore-assault-rifle | title=Singapore Airshow 2024: ST Engineering debuts Next Generation Singapore Assault Rifle | date=19 February 2024 }}</ref>

==Design==
[[File:Army.mil-101955-2011-03-16-100334.jpg|left|thumb|A Singaporean soldier gives an overview of the SAR-21 rifle to a group of [[United States Army|US Army]] soldiers at Multinational Base [[Tarin Kowt]].]]

The SAR 21's furniture is made of a rugged, high impact polymer, much of the manufacturing is done utilising [[Numerical control|CNC]] machines, with [[ultrasonic welding]] for the [[Alloy steel|steel-reinforced]] [[Receiver (firearms)|receiver]] halves and the [[gun barrel]] being [[cold forming|cold hammer forged]].<ref name="SAR-21"/> It has a [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|long stroke gas system]] and a two-lug Stoner-style bolt, boasting high reliability.<ref name="SAR-21"/> The translucent magazine allows precise assessment of its current ammo load.<ref name= cutshaw/>

The SAR 21 has a built-in [[Laser sight (firearms)|Laser Aiming Device]]<ref name="Fact"/> (powered by a single [[AA battery|"AA-size" battery]])<ref name="SAR-21"/> which has a 5 position switch that emits a visible or infrared beam at high or low power. It can be set to a steady beam or a momentary beam that is triggered by a pressure switch activated with the user's left thumb.<ref name="MF"/> The rifle incorporates various patented safety features, such as a [[Kevlar]] cheek plate and a high pressure vent that protects the shooter in the event of a chamber explosion or catastrophic failure.<ref name= brochure/><ref name="PM">{{cite web |url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4273222.html?page=3 |title=SAR 21 |publisher=[[Popular Mechanics]] |access-date=24 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127083309/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/military_law/4273222.html?page=3 |archive-date=27 January 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

The integral 1.5x [[optics|optical]] [[telescopic sight|scope]] that is built into its carrying handle aids in target acquisition, particularly under low light conditions. The scope is factory-zeroed, and requires minimal further zeroing to suit different users,<ref name= brochure/><ref name="Fact"/> shortening non-training range time.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

===Design issues===
Early users of the weapon in the Singapore Armed Forces experienced many problems due to their unfamiliarity with the [[bullpup]] design. Their criticisms (usually compared to the M16S1 rifles they were trained with) include:

*the awkward position of the fire selector (located at the butt, with the action), as opposed to the thumb selector on the M16S1<ref name=cutshaw/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensereview.com/sar-21-bullpup-assault-rifle-worlds-best-combat-bullpup/ |title=SAR-21 Bullpup Assault Rifle: World's Best Combat Bullpup? |author=David Crane |access-date=24 July 2010 |date=16 March 2004 |publisher=Defense Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721204110/http://www.defensereview.com/sar-21-bullpup-assault-rifle-worlds-best-combat-bullpup/ |archive-date=21 July 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*the sluggish trigger pull compared with the crisp trigger of the M16S1
*the heavy weight of the weapon
*the increased muzzle blast, due to the muzzle being nearer to the user's ears
*being told by instructors that it is a "right-handed only" weapon and left-handed soldiers having to (and are still being taught to) fire with their right hand
*iron sights that chip off easily when weapon is dropped
*lack of internal illumination of the scope (the crosshairs in the scope are virtually invisible in the dark)

Some of these criticisms were addressed with design modifications to the later production models. New weapon handling procedures were also introduced.
*The magazine changing issue was solved with training soldiers to always hold the pistol grip with their master hand. The charging of the weapon and reloading of magazines are to be done by the non-master hand.
*The sluggish trigger pull was improved by using a stiff sliding plate in place of the flexible rod.
*The [[Steyr AUG]] styled iron sights were replaced with stockier, hardier ones.

The Kevlar plating on the left side of the weapon butt (where a right-handed user's face would typically be) is effective in protecting the user from any internal chamber explosion by directing the resulting force to the right.<ref name="SAR-21"/> However, that resultant force would also seriously injure anyone on the right side of the weapon. In the case of a user firing from their left shoulder, this could cause severe injury to their face. As a result, all left-handed SAF soldiers are taught to fire from their right shoulder as a safety measure. The SAR 21 was designed with a small built-in brass deflector to eject spent bullet casings forward, thus reducing the chances of the spent casings hitting a left-handed user's face. The rifle is not completely ambidextrous but may be fired from the left shoulder.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

===Operation===
[[File:SAR 21 Rifle.jpg|thumb|A Singaporean soldier takes aim with the SAR-21. Note the emitted red beam from the [[Laser sight (firearms)|laser sight]].]]

Like the M16 rifle, the bolt locks open on an empty magazine. When the magazine is exhausted, it is removed by depressing the catch lever. Clearing the weapon is accomplished by removing the magazine, pulling the charging handle to the rear, and observing the chamber. After loading a magazine into the housing, the weapon is made "ready" by cocking the weapon, and engaging the cross-bolt safety button forward of the trigger guard. The position of the fire selector button (SEMI or AUTO) on the stock may also be adjusted.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

The on/off switch for the laser aiming device is located on the left handguard; when holding the weapon at ready, the left thumb rests naturally on it.<ref name="SAR-21"/> With sluggish operation due to fouling, the gas regulator setting may be adjusted by turning it with a coin, screwdriver, or any other thin flat object. Alternatively, the gas regulator can be unlatched and turned by hand with aid of its knurled surface.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

==Variants==
;SAR 21 Light Machine Gun (LMG)
:Fitted with an open bolt, it has a heavy {{cvt|513|mm|1}} barrel with an integral folding bipod and foregrip.<ref name="JGRG2008"/>

;SAR 21 Sharpshooter
:A standard SAR 21 with a 3.0x optical sight. The sight picture is composed of luminous black paint, allowing easier target engagement at night without the use of the LAD.<ref name= brochure/>

;SAR 21 Grenade Launcher (GL)
:Attached with a [[STK 40 GL|CIS 40 GL]] or [[M203 grenade launcher]].<ref name= brochure/><ref name="MF"/> Several sub-variants/prototypes incorporate different targeting modules (or mounted on p-rails) for grenade target acquisition. Known sights to have been used include aiming quadrants, various optical sights and laser [[fire control system]]s.<ref name= brochure/>

;SAR 21 Picatinny rail
:[[Picatinny rail]] in place of its integral optical sight.<ref name="MF">{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/assault/as31-e.htm |title=Singapore Technologies Kinetics SAR-21 assault rifle (Singapore) |access-date=24 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809114016/http://www.world.guns.ru/assault/as31-e.htm |archive-date=9 August 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The charging handle is moved to the side of the weapon and is interchangeable.<ref name= brochure/><ref name="MF"/>

;SAR 21 Modular Mounting System (MMS)
:Has integral optical sight and LAD removed to allow a wide variety of add-on tactical accessories, such as vertical assault grips, tactical lights and reflex sights. Charging handle is moved to the left hand side of the weapon.<ref name="MF"/> Similar to P-rail model,<ref name= brochure/><ref name="MF"/> variants consist of a standard and carbine-based barrels.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stengg.com/download/pdf/sba/land-systems/sar21.pdf |title=SAR21 |publisher=Kinetics Marketing Group |website=www.stengg.com |access-date=2013-07-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104013406/http://www.stengg.com/download/pdf/sba/land-systems/sar21.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>

;SAR 21 Lightweight Carbine
:A lightweight SAR 21 variant was revealed during the Asian Defence Exhibition held in conjunction with 2006 [[Asian Aerospace]]. The variant boasts an ultra-short barrel, shorter handguards and a [[Picatinny rail]]<ref name= brochure/>

;RCF module
:The '''Round Corner Firing (RCF) module''', similar in concept to the Israeli [[CornerShot]], can be attached to any of the above SAR 21 variants for conducting operations in an urban environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Factsheet: Urban Operations |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2006/jul/24jul06_nr2/24jul06_fs.html#.UZYgJsqqGSo |publisher=MINDEF |date=25 July 2006 |access-date=17 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303065232/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2006/jul/24jul06_nr2/24jul06_fs.html#.UZYgJsqqGSo |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>

;SAR 21A
:Prototype unveiled at the Singapore Air Show 2010, this updated variant boasts a sturdier thumb selector for ambidextrous control, an unloaded weight of {{cvt|3.2|kg|lboz|1}}, a full built-in [[Picatinny rail]] along its length and a higher rate of firing at 900 RPM. In production as of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/02/17/new-assault-rifle-from-st-kinetics/|title=New Assault Rifle from ST Kinetics - The Firearm Blog|work=The Firearm Blog|date=17 February 2012 |access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110035326/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/02/17/new-assault-rifle-from-st-kinetics/|archive-date=10 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Users==
[[File:SAR 21 Users.png|thumb|A map with SAR 21 users in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

*{{flag|Botswana}}: Replacing the [[FN FAL]] with the SAR 21 as of 2017.<ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2= de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title= New-model African armies|publisher= Jane's|date= 2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref>
*{{flag|Brunei}}: [[Royal Brunei Armed Forces]].<ref name=hadi>{{cite news |title=RBTS and STK ink MoU deal for vehicle upkeep |date=20 February 2008 |author=Mahmud, Hadi DP |work=[[The Brunei Times]] |url=http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2008/02/20/rbts_and_stk_ink_mou_deal_for_vehicle_upkeep |access-date=24 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227002445/http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home_news/2008/02/20/rbts_and_stk_ink_mou_deal_for_vehicle_upkeep |archive-date=27 February 2009 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-17.html |title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 2007 |author=Daniel Watters |publisher=GunZone.Com |access-date=24 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010201552/http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-17.html |archive-date=10 October 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
*{{flag|Indonesia}}: [[Indonesian Air Force]], used by ''[[Paskhas|Korps Pasukan Khas]]'' [[special forces]] unit.<ref name="WS">{{cite web|url=http://weaponsystems.net/weapon.php?weapon=AA04+-+SAR-21|title=Weapon|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223075853/http://weaponsystems.net/weapon.php?weapon=AA04+-+SAR-21|archive-date=23 December 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Morocco}}<ref name="WS"/>
*{{flag|Peru}}: Special forces.<ref name="WS"/>
*{{flag|Singapore}}: [[Singapore Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/1999/sep/11sep99_nr/11sep99_fs.html|title=Factsheet - Singapore Assault Rifle 21|date=19 May 2005|publisher=MINDEF|access-date=29 April 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121225092029/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/1999/sep/11sep99_nr/11sep99_fs.html|archive-date=25 December 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{flag|Thailand}}: Special forces.<ref name="WS"/>
*{{flag|Sri Lanka}}: Special forces.<ref name="WS"/>

==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|2}}
;Bibliography
{{Refbegin}}
*{{cite book|last1=Richard Jones|last2=Andrew White|title=Jane's Guns Recognition Guide|year=2008|publisher=[[HarperCollins]]|isbn=978-0-00-726645-6|page=316}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|SAR-21}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160829192537/http://www.stengg.com/products-solutions/products/sar-21-assault-rifle Official SAR 21 page at ST Kinetics]
*[https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/MINDEF_19990911001/MINDEF_19990911003.pdf SAR 21 Factsheet published by MINDEF]

{{Singapore-designed weapons}}
{{Bullpup firearms}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sar 21}}
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of Singapore]]
[[Category:Bullpup rifles]]