Singapore, Indonesia's Neighbour, Buys Rocket System from US for Over Rp 1.41 Trillion

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has confirmed plans to purchase guided multiple launch rocket system-alternative warhead (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Alternative Warhead/GMLRS-AW) devices and supporting equipment from the United States (US).

The purchase of this major weapon system equipment (alutsista) is intended to strengthen the defence of this neighbour to Indonesia.

MINDEF explained that the acquisition of M30A2 GMLRS-AW rocket pods forms part of the integration into the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) owned by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

“This is part of MINDEF and SAF’s multi-year procurement efforts to ensure operational readiness and meet Singapore’s defence needs,” MINDEF stated, as reported by The Straits Times, cited on Sunday (5/4/2026).

Previously, the US State Department had announced approval of the potential sale of GMLRS-AW and related equipment to the Government of Singapore.

Based on the notification document to the US Congress dated 1 April 2026, Singapore has requested the purchase of 45 units of M30A2 GMLRS-AW pods, with an estimated total cost of US83.14millionorapproximatelyRp1.41trillion(assuminganexchangerateofRp16, 994perUS).

The planned transaction, still awaiting approval signatures from the US Congress, not only includes the main rockets. The sales package also encompasses non-major defence equipment, such as telemetry kits, technical services, technical assistance, as well as logistical elements and other programme support produced by main contractor Lockheed Martin.

“This proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by helping to improve the security of a major non-NATO ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia,” the notification document to the US Congress stated.

For information, the HIMARS system that will use these rockets is operated by the 23rd Singapore Artillery Battalion and has been in service since 2011. In March 2025, Singapore’s then-Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had indeed stated plans to upgrade HIMARS capabilities with more capable rockets.