Singapore has launched the first of a new class of multi-role warships, designed to function as motherships for unmanned systems and set to become the largest ships in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) fleet, Breaking Defense reports.
Victory-Class Multi Role Combat Vessel (MRCV)
Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing officiated the launch of the lead ship of the Victory-class MRCV at the shipyard of local defense contractor ST Engineering, which is constructing the six ships for the RSN. These ships will replace an equal number of missile corvettes currently in service, retaining the same names as their predecessors.
High-End Combatant for Naval Operations
The Ministry of Defence stated that the MRCV is a high-end combatant designed to operate as a mothership for unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems, enabling naval operations and serving as a command ship.
Future-Ready Design with Unmanned Technology
Lt. Col. Auyong Kok Phai, the RSN’s Deputy Director of the MRCV program, explained that Singapore sought a design that leveraged unmanned technology and would be future-ready for technological advancements, rather than a direct replacement for the smaller missile corvettes. The unmanned systems will expand surveillance capabilities around the ship, allowing a single MRCV to perform tasks in the air, surface, and sub-surface domains that would typically require multiple manned ships.
Defending Maritime Trade Routes
At the launching ceremony, Chan emphasized that Singapore, heavily reliant on global maritime trade, must defend waters far beyond its shores. He added that Singapore will continue to collaborate with partners to ensure that sea lines of communication remain open and accessible to all stakeholders.
Improved Seakeeping and Larger Size
The MRCVs’ improved seakeeping is a key reason for selecting a significantly larger ship, according to Auyong. Based on the hull of the Iver Huitfeldt and Absalon-class frigates from Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology (OMT), the MRCVs measure 150 by 32 meters (nearly 500 by about 100 feet) and displace 8,000 tons, considerably larger than the 65-meter, 600-ton missile corvettes they will replace.
Armament and Sensors
The ships will carry a combination of Aster and Mica VL surface-to-air missiles from Europe’s MBDA, a Leonardo Strales 76mm naval gun, and two Rafael Mk 30-c remotely controlled weapon stations with 30mm autocannons. The Aster and Mica-VL missiles will be stored and fired from 32 vertical launch cells. A helicopter deck will enable the ship to operate a medium-sized helicopter or two unmanned aircraft.
Onboard sensors include a Thales multi-function radar (believed to be the Sea Fire 3D Active-Electronically Scanned Array), hull-mounted sonar, and a Safran Electro-Optical System. The MRCVs will also be equipped with surface-to-surface missiles, potentially the Blue Spear developed by IAI and ST Engineering.
Modular Design and Mission Bay
The vessels will feature a composite bridge designed and built by Sweden’s Saab. They will also be highly modular, with a mission bay capable of holding up to eight standard 20-foot containers for mission modules, such as medical facilities or unmanned systems control rooms.
Singapore expects to commission the Victory into the RSN in 2028 or early 2029.
