Singapore Primus SPH,in production, is a candidate to replace the 50 years old M-109 self-propelled 155mm howitzer.
Why 2 projects on SPH,Crusader SP artillery and NLOS-C under FCS,have been abandoned? Politics? Red tape? Too many lobbyist in Capitol Hill?
Sometimes, market force cant deliver the best and value for money.
The state owned ST Technology/ Engineering (stengg.com)is the sole weapons manufacturer in Singapore. It is assisted by DSTA.gov.sg and DSO.gov.sg to develop and procure military weapons and equipments.
However, ST Engineering has not claimed its products are 100 % Design and Made in Singapore!For example,"bespoke version of the US M109 SPH chassis" is adopted in Primus SPH( pl read Jane's article) below! ST Engineering has spent a lot of resources in basic R & D.
You will not believe that value for money many weapons and equipments roll out from ST Engineering plant regularly!
http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/sph/factsheet.asp
http://militarynuts.com/index.php?showtopic=2172
Jane's article on Primus SPH by "Rupert Pengelley recently visited the manufacturer, ST Kinetics, for a fuller briefing "
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