US accepts S'pore's request for 18 rocket artillery upgrade kits in S$94 million deal

The United States has accepted Singapore's request to buy 18 Common Fire Control Systems (CFCS) upgrade kits for its M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), in a deal worth an estimated US$73 million (S$94.3 million).

The deal was announced in a press release by the U.S. State Department on Jun. 15.

The CFCS controls launchers and manages weapons systems through the use of digital processing, sharpening targeting accuracy and overall operational effectiveness.

Responding to queries from CNA, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef) described HIMARS as a land-based precision strike asset that has formed part of the SAF's arsenal since 2010.

The ministry noted that the system remains a key part of the SAF's operational capabilities amid its ongoing modernisation efforts, and will be upgraded to keep pace with evolving operational and training needs.

The proposed deal also covers support equipment, technical documentation, spare parts, training, and various forms of U.S. government and contractor assistance, engineering, logistics and field office support.

The State Department said the sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region" and added that it would strengthen Singapore's ability to address current and future security challenges.

It described Singapore as a "strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia".

What is HIMARS?

The HIMARS carries a single pod of six Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rockets and can launch the full range of MLRS munitions.

According to Mindef's website, its Guided MLRS M31 Unitary rockets are 227mm surface-to-surface weapons that use inertial guidance and GPS assistance, each carrying a 200-pound class high-explosive warhead designed for precise, lethal strikes.

The system can hit targets up to 70km away, takes under 20 seconds to prepare for firing, and can release a full load of six rockets within 45 seconds.

Part of wider upgrade

This latest deal follows a separate HIMARS-related acquisition that MINDEF confirmed in April 2026 — the purchase of M30A2 GMLRS Alternative Warhead pods, in a deal the U.S. State Department valued at roughly US$83.1 million (S$107.4 million).

In a speech at the Committee of Supply back in March 2025, then-Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had said the SAF's HIMARS launchers would be upgraded with more advanced rockets.

On this latest sale, the U.S. State Department said it would have "no adverse impact on U.S. defence readiness".