The BXII is armed with a 30 mm cannon and is networked with other assets through a battle management system and network-centric wireless communications.

Other Singaporean platforms will now receive C4 integration from Singapore Technologies Electronics.

BXII, which is also being built in a command variant, features improved protection while retaining commonality with earlier versions in terms of powerpack and suspension, according to manufacturer ST Engineering.

The BXII was jointly developed by the Singapore Armed Forces, the state-run Defence Science and Technology Agency and ST Engineering.

Development of the family was launched in 1988, with the Bionix 25 and Bionix 40/50 in full operational service with the 42nd Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment in mid-1999.

These have since been supplemented by an armoured vehicle launched bridge and a recovery vehicle.

"The introduction of the BXII is part of the ongoing transformation of the army into a leaner and closely networked force," the Singapore Ministry of Defence said.

"Besides delivering a mightier punch of firepower, it also provides better crew protection and connectivity [allowing] integration with an array of platforms."

The BXII is equipped with an ATK MK44 30 mm Bushmaster dual-feed cannon with day/night thermal sighting system, together with a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun and a 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun.

It is configured in a two-man turret version and features a modular armour design allowing it to be fitted to any required level of protection.

The vehicle is fitted with a battlefield management system enabling the prompt sharing of information about locations and movements of friendly and enemy forces in a fully networked environment.

This will also allow command headquarters to coordinate the employment of various sensor and strike assets, including the unmanned aerial vehicles and the Primus self-propelled howitzer.

The BXII has a combat weight of 24,800 kg and is powered by a Detroit Diesel Corporation 6V 92 TA diesel engine with 475 hp producing a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and maximum cross-country speed of 40 km/h.

Maximum water speed is 5 km/ h, and maximum cruise range is 400 km. The vehicle is 5.97 m long and 2.78 m wide with an overall height of 2.77 m and ground clearance of 0.4 m. BXII can carry 10 personnel.