The IFV was rolled out on 5 September 1997 at Singapore Technologies Automotive Ltd.(STA). The first indigenous Infantry Fighting Vehicle was the hard work of STA, DMO, G5 Army and HQ Armour.
The first experimental vehicle XV 1, was assembled by STA in Jan 1990. This was followed by the XV 2 in Dec and XV 3 in Mar 1991. The final prototype and pre-production model rolled-out between July 1995 and June 1996.
With the acquisition of the IFVs, there has been a quantum improvement in firepower, speed and protection. The IFV has thermal imaging sight which means that it can see things on conditions that normal optic vision cannot. As such it is able to fire in the dark and through smoke. The IFV's hydro-pneumatic suspension system allows speeding through rough terrain without feeling the bumps, thus making it more comfortable for the soldiers. The basic hull of the vehicle is made up of aluminium for added protection. With a stabilised turret system, the IFV is also able to fire on the move. The IFV not only travels on land but it is able to swim as well.
There are two versions of the IFV each costing 2.5 million dollars. The first, IFV 25, can sit 10 soldiers and has a 25 mm gun and three mounted 7.62 mm machine guns. It also has night vision devices. The second version, the IFV 40/50, can sit 11 soldiers and come with a 40 mm grenade launcher and the 0.5 inch and 7.62 mm machine guns.
The concept of IFV is not new. There are many types of IFVs used by armed forces all over the world. However our IFV is one of its kind. It is specially designed to suit our own army's needs and specifications. This is because no off-the-shelf IFV could meet the army's requirement as they were designed to operate in different terrain conditions.