Keel laying ceremony marks key milestone for Singapore’s first Multi-Role Combat Vessel.

According to information published by MINDEF Singapore on October 22, 2024, ST Engineering Marine Limited hosted the keel laying ceremony for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) first Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV). Projected to enter service in 2028, the MRCV is designed with modularity and flexibility at its core. It will serve as a mothership, capable of deploying and operating unmanned systems.
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Keel-laying ceremony of the first Multi-Role Combat Vessel or MRCV. (Picture source: Singapore MINDEF)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) operates a robust and modern surface fleet, playing a key role in regional maritime security. The primary surface combatants are the Formidable-class frigates, of which there are six vessels. These frigates, commissioned between 2007 and 2009, are multi-role platforms equipped for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. They are undergoing mid-life upgrades to enhance their capabilities, including the replacement of Harpoon missiles with the more advanced Blue Spear anti-ship missiles and improvements to their combat management and communication systems.

Complementing these frigates are the Independence-class littoral mission vessels (LMVs), with eight ships designed for close-to-shore operations. These vessels, introduced between 2016 and 2020, provide enhanced flexibility for patrol, escort, and maritime security tasks. They are designed with modularity in mind, allowing the RSN to reconfigure them for various missions.

The aging Victory-class corvettes, introduced in the late 1980s, continue to serve, although they are set to be replaced. These corvettes have long provided a reliable platform for surface combat but are nearing the end of their operational life. Finally, mine warfare capabilities are provided by the Bedok-class mine countermeasure vessels, ensuring safe navigation in potentially contested waters.

MRCV

The Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) is the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) latest naval project, designed to replace its ageing Victory-class missile corvettes. One of the standout features of the MRCV is its ability to serve as a "mothership" for unmanned systems, allowing it to deploy and control multiple unmanned aerial and surface vehicles. The MRCVs will also be the first in the RSN to feature full-electric propulsion systems.

The vessels are being constructed by ST Engineering Marine, with contributions from key industry players like Saab Kockums and Odense Maritime Technology for their designs. The onboard systems will likely include advanced radar and missile defense suites from companies like Thales, MBDA, and Leonardo, ensuring that the MRCVs are equipped to handle various maritime threats​.