ST Kinetics 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 ST Kinetics SAR-21 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) since 1999. Safety features include manual safety selector, firing pin block, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 58 years of firearms manufacturing experience, ST Engineering Land Systems (ST Kinetics) brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3820 g (134.7 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4440 g (156.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 805 mm (31.69") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 945 m/s (3100 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1787 J (1318 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 460 m (503 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 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 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Integrated 1.5x Optical Scope, Laser Aiming Module, Select Fire, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Chrome Lined Barrel, Grenade Launcher Compatible, Backup Iron Sights, Cheek Level Ejection
Variants
- SAR-21 P (Picatinny) — Modernized
- SAR-21 RIS (Rail Interface System) — Modernized
- SAR-21 MMS (Modular Mounting System) — Modernized
- SAR-21 LMG (Light Machine Gun) — Lmg
- SAR-21 GL (Grenade Launcher) — Grenade Launcher
Service history
Operators
- Singapore Armed Forces · adopted 1999 · as SAR-21
- Brunei Armed Forces · as SAR-21
- Sri Lanka Army · as SAR-21
- Indonesian Marine Corps · as SAR-21
Conflicts
- Sri Lankan Civil War (2006-2009)
- War in Afghanistan (2007-2013)
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1999-present
Produced as the standard service rifle for the Singapore Armed Forces, with additional exports to several countries. Exact production figures are not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: Singapore
Notes
The SAR-21 was designed specifically for the smaller stature of Southeast Asian soldiers, with ergonomic considerations for tropical environments. The integrated 1.5x scope is a fixed part of the standard model, providing improved target acquisition without adding external optics. The rifle features cheek-level spent case ejection to prevent brass from striking left-handed shooters, though it only ejects to the right side. The SAR-21 is compatible with M203 and CIS 40GL grenade launchers. Multiple variants have been developed including the P (Picatinny rail replacing the fixed scope), RIS (full rail interface system), and LMG (light machine gun with heavy barrel and bipod). The next-generation NG SAR was unveiled in 2024 as an eventual replacement.
Background
The SAR-21 was Singapore's bid to develop a world-class indigenous assault rifle for the 21st century, replacing a succession of foreign and locally produced conventional rifles. Its integrated optics and laser aiming module were ahead of their time in the late 1990s, presaging the modern trend toward standard-issue optics on infantry rifles. The rifle's design prioritizes reliability in the hot, humid tropical climate of Southeast Asia.