Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The AME series of infantry weapons was developed to meet demand for improved performance and ergonomics. (Photo: ST Engineering)
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
ST Engineering has indicated early export success for its new AME family of modular assault rifles, saying the weapons have already secured more than one international customer, although no details have been disclosed.
The AME family comprises at least five variants, with designations reflecting calibre and barrel length. The rifles are based on the Colt AR-15 design concept, but incorporate a number of proprietary features.
The baseline model is the AME-A514, chambered in 5.56mm×45mm and fitted with a 14.5in barrel. The rifle measures 820mm in length and has an unloaded weight of 2.7kg.
Speaking to Shephard at the Singapore Airshow
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
