S'pore Army to build 2nd indoor live firing complex in Bedok, ready by 2031

A second Multi Mission Range Complex (MMRC) will be built in Bedok by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and will be fully operable by 2031.

This will be in addition to the sole existing indoor live firing complex in Pasir Laba Camp, which was established in 2013.

Technologically advanced

Like the current three-storey centre, the new complex, named MMRC 2, will be weatherproof and intended to support the Singapore Army's marksmanship training.

Designed as a more technologically advanced facility to fulfil new training operations, MMRC 2 will include a number of new features.

All six 100-metre ranges will be fully-equipped with video targetry systems (VTS) and battlefield effect systems with rapid scenario-creation capabilities.

The new complex will also allow regulars and servicemen to practice shooting with or against drones, which will be accommodated by ranges double in height of the current ranges.

Soldiers will also be able to simulate a real-life battlefield with props such as urban rubble and light and sounds effects, as well as practice manned-unmanned teaming operations.

They will also be able to receive personalised feedback on their training, as the new complex will be able to capture marksmanship performance data.

Individual soldiers can book slots

Instead of allowing only Army units to book and utilise the centre, as per the current centre, MMRC 2 will allow individual soldiers to practice their marksmanship.

Slots can be booked through the OneNS portal. In his Committee of Supply speech on Feb. 27, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said: "It has always been my own personal vision that our NSmen can go into a range to hone their skills just as they go to the bowling alley."

The new complex will be able to support an annual throughput of approximately 120,000 personnel, said Mindef.

MMRC 2 will "enable our Regulars and National Servicemen to have increased opportunities to maintain the currency of their weapons skills and allow more people such as SAF Volunteers and cadets from National Cadet Corps to experience a slice of National Service," they said.

Like the current complex, MMRC 2 will be government-owned but contractor-operated.

It will be located in Bedok Camp, two minutes from the future Sungei Bedok MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line and Downtown Line.

With its compact land footprint, MMRC 2 will allow the SAF to meet growing training needs while optimising land resources, said Mindef.

It will also free up land currently occupied by six outdoor ranges, which can be repurposed for other training needs.

Top image via Mothership