Breaking News: Singapore Navy Validates Aster 15 Missile Capability with Live Fire from Formidable-Class Frigate in France.

According to official information published by the Republic of Singapore Navy on April 2, 2025, the Formidable-class frigate RSS Formidable successfully conducted a planned live firing of the Aster 15 surface-to-air missile, intercepting and neutralizing an aerial drone target off the coast of Toulon, France. This test critically validated the frigate’s weapon systems and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) operational readiness in countering emerging aerial threats.
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Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Formidable fires its first Aster 15 missile during a live fire exercise off the coast of Toulon, France, successfully intercepting an aerial drone target. (Picture source: Singapore Navy Facebook account)

The Aster 15 missile firing was conducted as part of a scheduled exercise to test the RSN’s (Republic of Singapore Navy) capabilities in a complex maritime environment. Contrary to some earlier reporting, the RSN does not operate the Aster 30 missile; the missile used in the exercise was Aster 15, which is deployed aboard the Formidable-class frigates as part of their vertical launch system. The objective of the test was to demonstrate the effectiveness of the RSN’s integrated air defense capability, particularly in detecting, tracking, and engaging modern aerial threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The presence of Singapore’s Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat, and Fleet Commander, RADM Kwan Hon Chuong, onboard RSS Formidable during the live-fire test highlighted the strategic importance of the exercise. Their participation reflected the high-level oversight and operational emphasis placed on strengthening Singapore’s naval defense posture. The RSN also expressed gratitude to its French defense partners—DSTA, Marine Nationale, Défense Méditerranée - CECMED, and the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA)—for their support and collaboration in facilitating this complex test event. The bilateral cooperation contributed significantly to the planning and successful execution of the missile firing.

The RSS Formidable, hull number 68, is the lead vessel of the Formidable-class stealth frigates and forms a cornerstone of Singapore’s naval surface fleet. Developed under a partnership agreement with DCNS (now Naval Group), the first unit was built in France, while subsequent ships were constructed domestically by ST Marine, enhancing local industrial capacity and defense autonomy. Commissioned in 2007, RSS Formidable is equipped with a 32-cell Sylver vertical launch system, capable of launching the MBDA Aster 15 missile, a short-to-medium range surface-to-air missile designed for point and area defense.

In addition to the Aster 15, the ship’s arsenal includes Boeing Harpoon anti-ship missiles, a 76mm Oto Melara Super Rapid naval gun, and EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare. These are integrated via a combat system centered around the Thales Herakles multifunction radar, enabling the vessel to respond quickly to surface, air, and underwater threats.

The Aster 15 missile, developed by Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales, offers a robust defense solution against fast-moving aerial targets, including aircraft, drones, and missiles. The missile uses inertial guidance with mid-course updates and an active radar seeker during terminal phase for precise interception, providing agile defense even in challenging electromagnetic conditions.

This recent successful firing underscores the RSN’s commitment to maintaining a high level of combat readiness and technological sophistication amid a global security landscape increasingly defined by the proliferation of UAVs and other asymmetric threats. It also reinforces Singapore’s strategy of working with international defense partners to test, train, and evolve its capabilities in real-world conditions, ensuring the country’s maritime defense remains both credible and capable.