SAR 21
ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1999
Also known as: SAR-21, Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century
Overview
The SAR 21 (Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century) is a 5.56x45mm NATO bullpup assault rifle developed by Chartered Industries of Singapore (later ST Kinetics) and adopted by the Singapore Armed Forces in 1999 to replace the license-built M16S1. It is gas-operated with a rotating bolt, and is notable for its integrated 1.5x optical sight, built-in laser aiming device, a cartridge chamber pressure indicator, and a Kevlar cheek-protection plate designed to shield the shooter in the event of a chamber failure.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3820 g (134.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1786 J (1317 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 460 m (503 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56 NATO, 5.56x45mm, .223 Remington (chamber compatible)
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Cartridge Chamber Pressure Indicator, High Pressure Resistant Chamber
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Integrated 1.5x Optical Sight, Integrated Laser Aiming Device, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Ambidextrous Select Fire, Cheek Protection Plate
Variants
- SAR 21 Sharpshooter — Designated Marksman
- SAR 21 LWC — Carbine
- SAR 21 MMS — Modular
Service history
Operators
- Singapore Armed Forces · adopted 1999
- Royal Brunei Armed Forces
Production
Production years: 1999-present
Initial production by Chartered Industries of Singapore, later by ST Kinetics; standard service rifle of the Singapore Armed Forces
Origin
Country of origin: Singapore
Designer: Chartered Industries of Singapore
Notes
The SAR 21 accepts STANAG/M16 magazines. The improved SAR 21A introduced in 2010 added a Picatinny rail interface and other refinements.
Background
Developed as Singapore's first indigenously designed assault rifle, the SAR 21 was created to replace the aging M16S1 and showcase the city-state's growing domestic small-arms industry. Its integrated optic and laser made it one of the more technologically forward-looking service rifles of its era.