Among the items in the Singapore FY 2025 defines budget slated at S$23.4 billion announced by Minister Ng Eng Hen on March 3, 2025 is the acquisition of a new armoured combat vehicle the Titan. Although not specifically called out it is expected that this system is the Terrex S5, the latest development by ST Engineering in its Terrex (8×8) family of armoured fighting vehicles (AFV).
In July 2024 the company announced the Terrex S5 as “ready for production”. The Terrex S5 has been in development since 2022 as a family of combat and combat support mission vehicles using a common platform. The “S5” designation represents the designs “Smartness, Superiority, Sustainability, Survivability, and Serviceability.
Terrex S5 has a gross vehicle weight of 35,000 kg (77,160 lbs) with a 711 hp Caterpillar turbocharged engine with optional hybrid electric drive. Its independent suspension includes powered steering on the front two-wheel sets. The vehicle has a 1000 km range and with its hybrid option can move up to 50 km in silent mode. The design incorporates an integrated electronic architecture that integrates and networks the vehicle functions, its sensors, and not only crew but also the embarked dismounted infantry. This and its unified cockpit with the driver and commander located sit side by side replicates the arrangement in Singapore’s Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle also manufactured by ST Engineering.
In each state-of-the-art displays, intuitive controls, and the full networking of the vehicle sensors and functions ensures seamless interaction and shared situational awareness. The platforms digital architecture allows for technology insertion such as the vehicle navigation system, battle management system, power control management and state-of-the-art data and communication systems. These are further enhanced by incorporating not only advanced electro-optics including 360-degree perimeter cameras, high-resolution day and thermal imaging but also state-of-the-art image processing. The later offers capabilities such as automatic target detection, alerting and in the case of fire controls panoramic surveillance and auto-tracking engagement. All functions are possible even while on the move. It also utilizes ST Engineering proprietary New Generation Power Processor offering intelligent power management.
The vehicle is intended as a multi-mission platform with the initial configuration being the Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) which can carry up to ten dismounts plus the crew of two. The payload is a respectable 13,000 kg (28,600 lbs) which can include a number of weapon station and mission suite options.
The ICV has been displayed with the Mk 44 Bushmaster 30mm autocannon with dual ammunition feed and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun (both already used in the Hunter AFV) in an unmanned weapon station. The vehicle is also equipped to work with both unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles to provide both forward surveillance and/or birds-eye observation all of which can be viewed and geo-position tracked from inside the vehicle. This permits manned-to unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations to be conducted.
The Terrex S5/Titan has ballistic and mine/blast protection, as well as being able to be provided with active protection. In addition to the ICV, the vehicle has been developed to accommodate command, fire support, 120mm mortar, anti-tank guided missile and amphibius variants.
ST Engineering has not yet commented on the timeline of a program although it is considered likely that the Army is well familiar and likely has been aware and influenced in some way the S5 given its close relationship with the Army on previous programs including the Hunter fighting vehicle.
by Stephen W. Miller
