SINGAPORE - An improved version of the Red Rhino, or the light fire attack vehicle as it is officially called, was unveiled by the Singapore Civil Defence Force at the Singapore Expo in Tanah Merah on Saturday.

The new version is the first compact urban vehicle in the world to feature an integrated compressed foam system. This will make the vehicle more effective as compressed foam extinguishes fire four times faster than water.

The vehicle was manufactured in Singapore and boasts the "Home Team Celebrates SG50" logo, in anticipation of the country's 50th birthday in 2015.

The first of the new Red Rhinos will be operational in October. A total of 11 will be on the roads by June 2015.

The first Red Rhino was introduced in 2000 to overcome obstacles posed by narrow streets, tight corners and traffic congestion as it is smaller than the traditional fire engine.