SHAH ALAM: ST Engineering Marine Ltd is expected to deliver the first of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) by 2028, it was announced on March 27. Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) announced that its subsidiary, ST Engineering had received the contract for detailed design and manufacturing of the new vessels.
Release from ST Engineering:
Singapore, 27 March 2023 – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that its subsidiary, ST Engineering Marine Ltd., has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the detailed design and construction of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
ST Engineering will be responsible for the procurement and integration of the platform equipment and MINDEF furnished equipment. Its scope of work will also include the undertaking of design and the provision of Integrated Logistics Support Engineering to support and maintain operational readiness during the lifespan of the MRCVs. The MRCVs will be constructed at ST Engineering Marine’s premises in Singapore. The six vessels are expected to be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards.
The MRCV is designed to function as a mothership and can operate a range of manned and unmanned systems in a flexible, intuitive and integrated manner. The MRCV will be able to support a wide spectrum of missions with maximum combat effectiveness.
“This contract affirms our capabilities to design and build large and complex naval vessels,” said Ng Sing Chan, President of Marine business at ST Engineering. “The new MRCV will harness the ‘multiplier effect’ of digital technologies, to meet the RSN’s requirements for faster, more efficient operations. It also demonstrates our commitment to support MINDEF in the area of design, construction, operations and support.”
Apart from the state-owned company, Singapore also signed an agreement with Thales and a MOU with Saab. It has been widely reported previously that the MRCV will be based on the Vanguard 130 multi role combatant. However, Naval News reported that the MRCV will be based on Absalon class frigate by Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology. The report also said the ships will be fitted with Thales’ Sea Fire radar and MBDA’s Aster and VL Mica surface-to-air missiles.
As this is happening just south of us, it is unclear whether our own naval programmes, the LCS and LMS Batch II will be delivered ahead of the MRCV. RSN Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) started almost at the same time as the LCS but all eight ships have now been commissioned into service.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (61)
Read on Naval news that it will be approximately 10000 ton of weight. It is a destroyer class already but i think as it was describe as mothership than it will be a new breed that a mix of frigate and LPD that can carry USV and UAV.
But, the ship based on Vanguard or Iver then i think it can be extent to 10000 ton of weight, it is almost 80% heavier.
Is there an armed race already? Or it just SG as always. It is not new how SG respons to her neighbour. ID last months already launching her variant of Arrowhead140.
From naval news infographics seem the MRCV is a mothership for mines hunting drones.
At 10,000 tons it's as big as Germany F-126. Guess it would be deployed for a long periods of time to be use as a sea base & escorts for the lightning carrier.
This should be the Victory class replacement. The program announced sometime before Covid (maybe 2018/19) with deliveries from 2025/2026 onwards. What is surprising is, the jump from a 600 ton corvette to a ship based on a 10000 ton design. There is no lull in Singapore shipbuilding, there is always something to build, enough to support a local industry.
Still early days for us but this is something we eventually have to get into : a ship networked with USVs and UUVs; all working/complementing each other. Same applies for subs; we're going to reach a point where the actual platform won't suffice; either due to the threat level or other reasons and unmanned platforms will be a necessity. Years ago the RMN stated that UASs won't be operating from the LCS; I hope they do with the LMSs.
This was coming within the last five years, not a response to any efforts by the other country. The over riding principle is over match
If they were to perform as mentioned it would make the class even bigger than the Formidables. That is really a huge difference from the original MRCV envisioned at the start and as replacements of those much smaller patrol boats. It could be as what Romeo postulated, a shift in fleet planning after more nations are going for bigger frigates.
Kel "There is no lull in Singapore shipbuilding, there is always something to build, enough to support a local industry."
It's not that difficult. there are only a single procurement agency which decided everything. they ordered from a single supplier and then they would build a single class of ship every 5 years then transition to another class like clockwork.
Over here There's are just Too many chef in the kitchen and thus kejap order from BNS,kejap order from another local yard, kejap order balik from BNS, kejap mau direct import. Or as tokmat said in parliament Kejap mau that SSM kejap mau those SSM.
"they ordered from a single supplier and then they would build a single class of ship"
On the flip side they became too big to fail and SG has to do everything to make sure they succeed come hell or high water.
Theres a famous hadith for muslim "everything starts with intention" . Our politicians starts a project not with defence of the nation in mind but to fill their coffers, no? We can do it. My former employer MSE have bilt the Mustari class OPv, no issue but for the powerwbthat be decided that defnece spending is a means to wealth transfer. The Joneses shouldnt be faulted..its their money.
Zaft - "Over here There’s are just Too many chef in the kitchen and thus kejap order from BNS"
Which is why we need a holistic, realistic and apolitical policy with a clear appreciation of what can or can't be achieved and why ideally we need a non partisan problem agency with participation from various entities to oversee procurement.
Not to select anything per see as you suggested previously but to oversee or monitor things; ensuring the end user gets the desired capability and the taxpayers their money's worth and to ensure contractual obligations are met. We lack corrective mechanisms and oversight; not to mention a neither here nor there policy.
Shahrudin - "My former employer MSE have bilt the Mustari class OPv"
Pusan and Pasir Gudang. I remember Rafidah Aziz at the launch.
Shahrudin - "no issue but for the powerwbthat be decided that defnece spending is a means to wealth transfer"
Defence spending became part of the patronage system; like other industries.