SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces' next-generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) will be produced and supplied by Singapore Technologies (ST) Engineering.

The Ministry of Defence announced on Wednesday (March21) that it had awarded a contract to the firm to manufacture the new vehicle, with delivery to being in 2019.

The new AFV will replace the Ultra M113 AFV which has been in service since the early 1970s, said the ministry.

It will provide the SAF's armoured forces with "enhanced firepower, protection, mobility and situational awareness", said Mindef in a statement.

Development of the next-generation AFV started in 2006, with the SAF unveiling the final prototype in June last year.

The vehicle, operated by a three-man team, can also carry eight soldiers and reach speeds of up to 70kmh, with a range of 500km.

In comparison, the Ultra M113, which can also carry 11 personnel, has a slower maximum speed of 64kmh, with a shorter range of 320kmh.

In terms of firepower, the new AFV will also have a bigger calibre gun and a laser range-finder, which can be used by soldiers to pinpoint targets, according to previous reports. A digital control system will point the gun in the right direction to take out targets.

The vehicle commander of the new AFV will also be better protected from enemy fire as he will be seated within the vehicle. On the Ultra M113, the commander's body is partially exposed.