SAF radar for Afghan mission

In today's The Straits Times, it was reported that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is getting into the fight in Afghanistan: it is planning to deploy a battlefield radar system that can detect enemy artillery, rocket and mortar launches and help direct counter-battery fire.

The Arthur (ARTillery HUnting Radar) is very mobile due to its low weight and small size. It is mounted on the BV-206 all-terrain tracked vehicle, which is capable of manoeuvring in the most rugged terrain. The radar system is manned by four men and can go into action within five minutes. It can pinpoint the source of enemy fire up to 40km away and can track more than 100 targets per minute.

The SAF's weapons-locating radar will help protect NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops based in Camp Holland in the Afghan province of Oruzgan.

Another deployment in the works to Afghanistan involves a KC-135 air tanker, along with a detachment of air force servicemen, who will operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), a reconnaissance drone.

Though a small contribution, at least Singapore is doing its part in the fight against terrorism. There are up to 37,000 US troops in Afghanistan (my earlier post here) alongside another 33,000 NATO troops (post here)