Singapore lays keel for first domestically made Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV)

Asia-Pacific, News October 29, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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Singapore’s ST Engineering laid the keel for the country’s first of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The keel-laying ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials and notable figures in Singapore’s defense sector. This moment marks the “birth” of a class of vessels expected to redefine the country’s naval capability.

Held at the ST Engineering shipyard, the ceremony drew key figures from Singapore’s defense industry, including Melvyn Ong, the Ministry of Defense’s permanent secretary for development, and Singaporean Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Sean Wat.

In keeping with maritime tradition, the two leaders joined in a symbolic “coin ceremony,” placing coins on the keel before a crane lowered a section of the ship’s hull into place, an act symbolizing good fortune and safe passage for the vessel.

Addressing the audience, Ong recognized the efforts of Singapore’s Defense Technology Community and project teams who contributed to the MRCV program. He emphasized the critical role ST Engineering plays in producing cutting-edge naval assets.

“Building a warship of this size and complexity, with world-first capabilities, is unprecedented in our shared history. I am sure that ST and our other partners in the defense industry will continue to provide the utmost value to this program and the SAF’s capability development. The MRCV may be the first but not the last project of such complexity,” Ong said.

Singapore’s ST Engineering’s Marine division received a contract in March 2023 to construct six MRCVs in collaboration with Saab Kockums of Sweden and Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology. The vessels are part of an ongoing strategy to expand Singapore’s naval capabilities, replacing the aging Victory-class corvettes currently in service. Unlike the corvettes, the MRCVs will serve a more versatile role, designed to act as “motherships” for autonomous and uncrewed systems rather than relying solely on traditional weaponry.

Singapore's Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) — *^{Singapore’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV). (Image Credit: RSN/X)}*

The construction of these vessels represents a significant leap in technology, with the MRCVs incorporating advanced systems to fulfill their unique role. At this year’s International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX), it was revealed that the MRCVs would feature an 8,000-ton displacement, large enough to carry a diverse range of equipment and crew.

With a projected complement of around 80 sailors, these ships are designed to maximize operational efficiency through extensive automation and streamlined designs, enhancing the Navy’s response to diverse maritime challenges.

Weaponry and advanced systems

Details surrounding the MRCVs’ weaponry and sensor suite indicate a sophisticated blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, incorporating systems designed by global leaders in military technology. Although official specifications are limited, industry sources confirmed several of the key systems expected to be installed, including:

Leonardo’s 76mm STRALES naval gun: Known for its precision and range, the STRALES variant integrates the ability to counter aerial and surface threats.

MBDA’s VL MICA NG and Aster B1 NT missiles: These next-generation air defense missiles provide multilayered protection against aerial threats, reinforcing the MRCVs’ defensive capabilities.

ST Engineering / IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles: A potent offensive system, the Blue Spear is an advanced anti-ship missile designed for precision strikes.

Thales’ SeaFire radar: This multifunction radar system provides comprehensive situational awareness and high-performance target tracking capabilities.

Safran’s PASEO XLR EO/IR system and NGDS decoy system: The electro-optical and infrared system will offer enhanced targeting and surveillance, while the Next-Generation Decoy System bolsters the ships’ defenses against missile threats.