The Singapore Army has commissioned a new all-terrain self-propelled mortar system based on its in-service 4×4 Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicle (PCSV), designated Belrex PCSV (Mortar). The vehicle is protected against small arms fire and mine blasts, and is fitted with the ST Engineering Land Systems Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System Mk II (SRAMS Mk II), which is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore mortar mounted in an armoured rear cabin. This integration of weapon and platform enhances shoot-and-scoot operations, mobility and soldier survivability.
Compared to the previous infantry mortar, the Belrex Mortar Variant requires less manpower and deployment time. The automated SRAMS Mk II is provided with an integrated fire control system (FCS) and can deploy in approximately 30 seconds – 80% faster than the towed mortar – to execute fire missions at a sustained rate of fire of four rds/min for 20 minutes, or at maximum rate of 10 rds/min for three minutes. This also represents a 67% increase in rate of fire compared to the towed mortar, as well as a 50% decrease in manpower requirements.
The Belrex – a portmanteau of Bellum (war) and Rex (king) was developed by ST Kinetics and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to replace 5t trucks and Mercedes Benz MB290 armoured vehicles operated by the Singapore Army. The Marauder mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle platform, developed by South African firm Paramount Group serves as the basis forthe PCSV. The Singapore Army commissioned Belrex PCSVs in November 2016, following the announcement made by the Singapore Armed Forces for the acquisition of Belrex-protected vehicles in June 2016.
As a multi-mission, multi-role family of platforms, the Belrex mortar Variant is customised for urban combat missions. A rigid V-shaped hull enhances crew survivability against ballistic, mine and IED threats. he Belrex PCSV is based on 4×4 wheeled chassis and features a modular design. The vehicle measures 7.25m-long, 2.6m-wide and 2.75m-high. With a gross weight of 20t, the vehicle can carry payloads weighing approximately 4,000kg. It accommodates two crew members in the protected cabin and up to eight dismounted troops at the rear.
