SINGAPORE has a new 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

Indigenously designed and manufactured, the weapon is based on the US Bradley fighting vehicle and the M109 self-propelled gun.

The new system is specifically designed for use in the tropical jungle conditions of Singapore's perceived AOs.

It weighs less than 30 tonnes, about 60 per cent the weight of comparable US and European systems, has a crew of four and a speed of about 50 km/h.

An unusual feature is its width of 2.8m. This was specifically designed to enable it to cross Singapore's bridges and pass through the vegetation on the island.

Its crew is half that of Singapore's towed 155mm howitzers and, although no figures have been given, it's reportedly considerably cheaper than the heavier foreign self-propelled systems.

Work on the howitzer began in 1996 with the first rolling prototype in mid 2000. It was officially certified late last year and commissioned into the FAS on November 24, 2003.

At this stage it is not known how many of the weapons the SAF will order, or whether any will be sold off-shore.

AUSTRALIA has ensured that children in East Timor now have greater access to early education.

Two new AUSAID-funded primary schools in the villages of Bulo and Salasa in the Ainaro District were opened over the weekend of November 28 and 29.

UNMISET Commander Sector West Col Jim Bancroft said education would play a huge role in the re-development of the country.

Using AUSAID grants of $US15,000 the schools were built by local contractors under the guidance of Sector West project managers.

They comprise three 22-seat classrooms, an amenities room, six toilets (three male and three female) and a teachers' room.

They are furnished with desks and chairs, also provided through the AUSAID grant.

Work on the schools commenced in early September to ensure they were finished before the onset of the tropical wet season.

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