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Primus SSPH-1 - Singapore’s Light Weight Heavy Hitter
Hi and welcome to my 67th suggestion, which is about the Primus SSPH-1, hope you like it. 
First of all:
- Feel free to share more Information and / or correct me if something is wrong
- Discuss respectfully, any aggressive kind or verbal abuse will be reported, the Forum rules also apply here
Basic Background
The concept of developing a self-propelled howitzer for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) emerged in the early 1990s. The goal was to enhance the fire support capabilities for the armored brigades within the Combined Arms Divisions. This new weapon system needed to match the fast-paced nature of armored operations while delivering the range, firepower, and precision synonymous with modern artillery.
A comprehensive market survey conducted between 1995 and 1996 evaluated several leading self-propelled guns, including the M109 Paladin from the United States, the AS90 Braveheart from Britain, Japan’s Type 75 SPH, and Russia’s 2S3M1. Although these systems were known for their formidable firepower, mobility, and survivability, they were unsuitable for local conditions due to their size and weight, mostly exceeding 50 tons. The SAF required a howitzer that was lighter—specifically under 30 tons—and not wider than 3m. This led to the decision to develop a completely new, custom-designed self-propelled howitzer.
Drawing on its extensive experience in designing and producing artillery systems such as the FH-88 and FH-2000, ST Kinetics, in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), embarked on the development of the Primus SSPH-1 (Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer 1) in 1996.
By April 2000, the first functional prototype was unveiled. It was built on a chassis adapted from United Defense’s Universal Combat Vehicle Platform (UCVP), incorporating components from the M109 Paladin, the M2 Bradley, and the M8 AGS. Over the next two years, the Primus underwent rigorous testing to ensure it could meet the demanding requirements of the SAF. Given Singapore’s limited land for such activities, initial live-firing tests were conducted at Waiouru Army Camp in New Zealand during Exercise Thunder Warrior in February 2004. The Primus also participated in Exercise Wallaby at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia.
By September 2002, the Primus SSPH-1 was officially certified as meeting the SAF’s stringent standards and was formally inducted into service.
The Primus SSPH-1 Overall
The Primus SSPH-1 weights 28.3 tonnes when fully loaded, features a torsion-bar suspension system and is powered by a Detroit Diesel Corporation 6V-92TA engine that delivers 550 horsepower, providing a power-to-weight ratio of 19.43 hp/tonne. This allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 50 km/h with an operational range of 350 km. It shares a power pack with the Bionix IFV, also used by the SAF, simplifying training and logistics.
The vehicle’s armor is up to 25 mm thick, providing protection while keeping the weight manageable.
Armed with a locally developed 155 mm/39-caliber howitzer gun, the Primus can high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and the locally developed 155 mm cargo rounds. Depending on the ammunition, the gun’s range varies from 19 km with the M107 high-explosive projectile to 30 km with an extended-range full bore base bleed projectile. The Primus also features a semi-automatic loading system, which increases the rate of fire and reduces crew workload. It can fire up to 6 rounds per minute, with a burst rate of three rounds in 20 seconds. The turret-mounted magazine holds up to 22 projectiles.
Thanks for your time, hope you liked it 
[Will add more if there are some (more) important / declassified things]
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Sources:
Links
Formations
https://www.deagel.com/Armies/SSPH%201%20Primus/a000286
Army Guide
SSPH 1 Primus (Singapore Self-Propelled Howitzer 1) Self-Propelled Gun
SSPH Primus
List of Suggestions of ASEAN region