Singapore Begins Construction of First MRCV

October 25,2024

By:Our Bureau

Singapore commenced construction on its first Multirole Combat Vessel (MRCV) with a keel-laying ceremony at ST Engineering’s shipyard on 22 October 2024, following the initial steel-cutting in March.

In March 2023, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence confirmed awarding a contract to ST Engineering to develop six multi-mission MRCVs for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Days before, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) had signed a memorandum of understanding with Sweden’s Saab to collaborate on the MRCV project.

The new MRCVs, which will succeed the RSN’s Victory-class corvettes from the 1990s, resemble frigates in design.

While technical details remain limited, official renderings depict a vessel with a length between 110-130 metres, featuring a hybrid deck and mast structure designed to reduce radar visibility. The width is expected to be similar to or broader than the current Formidable-class frigates, and the MRCVs will displace approximately 8,000 tons with a crew of about 80.

The MRCVs will carry a 76mm naval gun by Leonardo in the STRALES variant, alongside MBDA’s VL MICA NG and Aster B1 NT air defence missiles. Anti-ship warfare capabilities will include Blue Spear missiles, jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and ST Engineering Land Systems.

Sensor systems will be provided by Thales and Safran, including the Thales SeaFire radar and Safran’s PASEO XLR EO/IR systems. Additionally, Safran’s NGDS decoy system will enhance the ship’s missile defence capabilities.

The RSN is expected to take delivery of the first MRCV in 2028. Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) will co-develop the vessel’s design alongside Saab.

Source:

https://gbp.com.sg/stories/singapore-begins-construction-of-first-mrcv/