RSN capabilities

[ngatimozart]

No doubt ST are evolving and tweaking the design but both the 160-and 170 from what I can find online are pretty much the same, I imagine the 170 will be using the extra size to increase bunkerage magazine and slightly larger hanger space. That Seasheaperd article is the only peice of infomation I can find on the variant which is pretty much say identical 160 in capabilty terms.

http://www.stengg.com/media/30764/endurance-class-landing-platform-dock.pdf

If someone can point me into a better site showing the difference between the two that would be appreciated.

If you look at the Endurance 170 LHA as described in the Shepherd news article there is quite a bit of difference so I would suggest that you read the article and then undertake a compare and contrast exercise, because having read it once i for one have noticed some quite distinctive differences.

 

[OPSSG]

Submarines enable Singapore to change the posture of 171 squadron and to move our submarines to an area of potential conflict (such as the South China Sea) or silently observing the activities of pirate havens, to enable the our navy to monitor developments. With 70m long submarines that are the newest and most quiet in Southeast Asia, all these patrols can be done below the surface undetected and without provocation.

Singapore Navy to add 2 more submarines to fleet

SINGAPORE: Two more Type-218SG submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will be added to the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) fleet from 2024.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the new submarines boast design innovations to optimise training, operation and maintenance costs. They will also be equipped with "significantly improved capabilities" like modern combat systems and Air Independent Propulsion systems.
The ministry's contract with the shipbuilders includes a logistics package and a crew training arrangement in Germany.
Calling the move “another important step in the RSN’s modernisation effort”, Dr Ng said that the RSN needed to keep pace with the growth of other navies in Asia – spurred by the need to protect trade and other maritime interests.

“ASEAN countries, Australia, China and India have all increased the strength of their navies, with naval budgets in the Asia Pacific region expected to increase by 60 per cent through 2020,” he said. The minister also highlighted a report by naval defence market analysts AMI International, which estimated that approximately 800 more warships and submarines will operate in the Asia Pacific region by 2030.

“To be effective, the RSN needs to keep pace with this growth of navies in Asia. At steady state, the four Type-218SGs in service will complement each other in maintenance, logistics and operations, and have better capabilities to protect our sea lines of communication,” he said.
------

Why order more when the first boat is yet to hit the water. Perhaps TKMS is really in need of more work and is giving Singapore a great deal.

Let me share an expert point of view (POV) on the increase in the number of submarines operating in Asia and its risks. See Asian Sub Spending Spree Raises Risks of Mistakes, Escalation, for details. The important question, of course, is not numbers as Singapore is only going to operate 4 Type 218SG submarines but quality of the crew and the technology employed to gain a secret edge. In the intricate cat-and-mouse game of submarine operations, the secret technological edge used and the skill of the crew is as important as the raw numbers for submarine patrols (that is measured in the increase of sea patrol days with new submarines).

In particular, the following quote in the POV will support my case for Singapore's pressing need for more capable submarines to ensure that our submarines have a technological edge to perform the difficult missions sets that we would require of them should the need arise. This link will provide the context to augment my prior posts on why this timely acquisition is not a mistake.

"Question by The CiperBrief: What types of submarines are countries mainly acquiring and what capabilities are these countries hoping to gain by buying new submarines? What can they do that other systems and platforms, or older submarines cannot do?

Collin Koh's POV: Some common trends in Asian submarine acquisitions (and their accompanying attributes) include being larger in physical size (which translates into larger capacity for combat capabilities such as sensors and weapons, more fuel and battery capacity, as well as redundant spaces for future upgrades, and possibly affording better crew habitability), translating into longer range and seakeeping qualities. They are also increasingly emerging with propulsion/power enhancements such as air-independent propulsion (AIP) that confers extended submerged endurance and reduces the need for snorkeling. Later units of the Japanese Soryu class will be progressively equipped with lithium-ion batteries that confer not just extended underwater endurance but also burst speeds that would be necessary for fast pursuit and evasive maneuvers. The South Koreans are also looking into lithium-ion batteries for future submarine classes.

In addition to physical size increases and propulsion/power enhancements, the submarines in the pipeline or entering service with Asian navies are also quieter – they come with internal acoustic dampening features and, most importantly of all, anechoic anti-sonar tiles coating the outer hull. Where combat systems are concerned, let us first talk about sensors. Past submarine classes were more simply equipped, with perhaps a basic bow or hull-mounted sonar, the obligatory attack and search periscopes, passive intercept systems, and a simple surface search radar. But new classes coming online or already inducted come increasingly with a more comprehensive suite of sensors – a holistic sonar fit, including not just bow or hull-mounted sonars but also passive intercept, flank and even towed-array sonar arrays to give a much wider coverage at various ranges and for different depth performances – and for some classes, including also an optronic (or photonic) mast that replaces the old-fashioned periscope. Even surface radar is better, and the submarines will also come with better electronic warfare capabilities that aid their intelligence-gathering missions.

However, the most telling advancement over the past classes is in the realm of weapons payloads for these new submarines. Besides the trusty torpedoes and mines, Asian navies are also inducting new submarines with enhanced long-range strike capabilities. For example, more are armed with underwater-to-surface guided weapons such as anti-ship missiles. This complements the torpedoes with a long-range strike weapon. But we also observe a growing appetite in submarine-launched land-attack cruise missiles – this pattern being most prevalent in South and Northeast Asian subregions and, to a much lesser extent, Southeast Asia. This is perhaps the most prominent change from the past, when Asian submarines tended to have zero or very limited expeditionary force projection capabilities. And we can also expect in the future that Asian submarines will work more closely in tandem with unmanned systems, and also more involved in special forces operations."

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1254318016285814785

 

[Joe Black]

Submarines enable Singapore to change the posture of 171 squadron and to move our submarines to an area of potential conflict (such as the South China Sea) or silently observing the activities of pirate havens, to enable the our navy to monitor developments. With 70m long submarines that are the newest and most quiet in Southeast Asia, all these patrols can be done below the surface undetected and without provocation.

Interesting to watch what RSN would want to do to uplift the underwater capability. Getting 2 more Type 218SG is definitely both a smart move but yet beg more questions, should Singapore have waited for the Saab Kockum A26 instead and re-establish Singapore and Sweden close co-operation for so many years. Perhaps Singapore has been too much invested into Type 218SG and the Swedish have missed the boat - pun intended.

A26 would definitely provide many more interesting capability, not least, the ability to shoot land attack cruise missiles, acting as the mothership for UUVs.

Would it be unimaginable if RSN acquire A26s in the next decade, to supplement the Type 218SGs? Will Singapore now swing towards the Germans and slowly abandon the Swedes?

I suppose I have too many questions, only time will tell.

 

[Joe Black]

I will try to track the development of the SAF's HADR capabilities and MINDEF has released pictures of container medical modules deployed on the Endurance Class 140 flight deck that would nicely fit in the belly of the JMMS for onward deployment to disaster relief areas (in addition to medical facilities on this Endurance 170 design).

From a people development perspective, the JMMS is exciting news as it will give our air force pilots and air controllers sea-legs and a career path forward in working on a navy ship in a joint force context for the SAF.

JMMS is a capability needs defined by the Mindef (first brought up by Dr Ng Eng Hen - def min). But we have heard of nothing since, other than a brief inspection of the Mistral class when the French was reselling the two built for Russia.

I suspect RSN is still trying to work out what exact capability it wants other than generalising to just the HADR missions. I suppose they would have to define its "secondary" - or war-fighting capabilities too, perhaps performing the role of the LHD, anti-submarine helo carrier?

How many of these JMMS will be needed? 1 ship, 2 ships or even more? Will they replace all the Endurance class LST/LPD or only some of them? Crew size? too many things to work out - all specific to Singapore's requirement and perceived mission profiles and theatres of operation.

 

[OPSSG]

JMMS is a capability needs defined by the Mindef (first brought up by Dr Ng Eng Hen - def min). But we have heard of nothing since...

At 170 metres in length, the JMMS (i.e. the Endurance 170) can act as a command and logistic support vessel for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and can potentially perform three key war fighting roles (at different times):

One, as an amphibious assault ship, the JMMS can be used for force projection over the littorals and across the surf zones to land an amphibious force onto a beach head. Depending on the aviation assets embarked from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (e.g. AH-64E Apache helicopters), it can even provide close air support for the Singapore Army's designated landing force.

Two, the JMMS can be used as a platform for airborne mine countermeasures missions for the RSN, again if there are helicopters like the MH-53E is embarked. However, presently, Singapore has no plans to acquire such helicopters; and the RSN has the Bedok Class mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs), autonomous unmanned vessels and associated systems, to deal with this threat.

Three, the JMMS can be a potent anti-submarine platform (as long as the appropriate mix of anti-submarine helicopters, like the Seahawk are carried) for the RSN to establish sea control within 1,000 km (or 540 n. miles) of Singapore.

The design has a maximum speed of 20 knots, a range of 7000 nautical miles at 15 knots and an endurance of 30 days. For HADR missions, heavy vehicles and mechanized equipment can be embarked and disembarked with relative ease. This ship will have an advanced communications suite and it can be used as a command and communications centre for the relief mission. Further, the JMMS will have a 1,000m² medical facility, with three operating theatres, 10 intensive care unit beds and 17 beds in the hospital wards, as integral to the Endurance 170 design. Most importantly, Singapore's fleet of H225M utility helicopters and CH-47F helicopters can be deployed from the ship to provide in theatre airlift capabilities when roads and airfields are completely destroyed in major disasters.

How many of these JMMS will be needed? 1 ship, 2 ships or even more? Will they replace all the Endurance class LST/LPD or only some of them? Crew size? too many things to work out - all specific to Singapore's requirement and perceived mission profiles and theatres of operation.

At least 2 ships of a class? The Endurance 170 ship crew complement according to ST Marine's video and news reports is 140 sailors, the air crew 150 and the vessel can accommodate another 400 troops, in addition to a 1,000m² medical facility, with three to four operating theatres, 10 intensive care unit beds and 17 beds in the hospital wards.

 

[Joe Black]

Singapore starts construction of second batch of Type 218SG submarines

The first two submarines in the class, ordered in 2013, are at different stages of construction and are set to be delivered to Singapore in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The third and fourth Type 218SG boats are scheduled to be handed over from 2024.

The AIP submarines, together with newer Archer-class submarines, will replace the 50-year-old Challenger-class submarines Singapore acquired from Sweden between 1995 and 1997.

Looks like the Archers class will continue to serve when the Type 218SG arrives after 2021. Wonder if RSN would be also interested in acquiring the remaining two Sodermanland class when they retire from the RSwN.

 

[vonnoobie]

Singapore starts construction of second batch of Type 218SG submarines

Looks like the Archers class will continue to serve when the Type 218SG arrives after 2021. Wonder if RSN would be also interested in acquiring the remaining two Sodermanland class when they retire from the RSwN.

I dealt it. Surprised enough Singapore would keep the Archers in service but that could also be in response to the escalating situation in the SCS. They are moving on from buying and updating old to getting new. If any new submarines in future are required it will be to replace the two Archers if they decide they want to keep a 6 boat fleet.

 

[Joe Black]

Singapore Navy trailing S-100 Camcopter

Singapore trials S-100 Camcopter on Littoral Mission Vessel | Jane's 360

Looking like Singaporean Navy is now joining RAN and South African navy in assessing S-100.

 

[OPSSG]

At the end of Jaunuary 2019, Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How officiated at the launching ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s eighth and final Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fearless, at ST Engineering's Benoi Shipyard today. The LMV was launched by Mrs Heng Soon Poh, wife of Mr Heng. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Heng highlighted the importance of a strong and capable RSN to safeguard Singapore's sovereignty. He said, “The navy is every maritime nation's first line of defence. A strong RSN is key to protecting our maritime sovereignty, and keeping our Sea Lines of Communication open. Singapore's maritime agencies work together 24/7 to monitor threats. The RSN augments this by conducting patrols around the clock – tirelessly – to keep our waters safe and secure. We do this to protect Singapore, Singaporeans, and our Singaporean way of life.”

The LMV programme is progressing well. Since 2017, five LMVs – RSS Independence, RSS Sovereignty, RSS Unity, RSS Justice and RSS Indomitable – have been commissioned. They have rapidly assumed and effectively executed operational duties.

Singapore starts construction of second batch of Type 218SG submarines

Looks like the Archers class will continue to serve when the Type 218SG arrives after 2021. Wonder if RSN would be also interested in acquiring the remaining two Sodermanland class when they retire from the RSwN.

I am fairly certain that the RSN is going all German in future boat procurement plans, with the 1st Type 218SG to be launched with the Singapore’s Minister of Defence in attendance at a ceremony in Kiel on 18 February 2019. I suspect the 2021 date you cite, is target date both of the 1st batch of these 70m x 6.3m submarines to hit IOC (and for the last 2 Challenger class boats to retire). Before the submarines return to Singapore, a minor overhaul will be carried out at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to address any remaining issues from launch. Upon arrival in to validate the performance of the systems, especially those that are sensitive to environmental conditions such as salinity and temperature. After passing the local trials, the submarine will be considered operationally safe in Singapore waters. At this stage, all the safety assessments would have been completed and all residual risks documented and accepted by the RSN in 2021. The Type 218SG submarines will then be considered as having met their IOC.

This first of four 2,200 ton submarines (when submerged) will be launched by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) with a 2nd contract of 2 awarded from May 2017.

The design of the Type 218SG submarine was anchored on the proven and established German Military Standards BV issued by the German BAAINBW. To complement the areas where BV does not stipulate requirements, other supporting standards such as the German Defence Material Standard (Verteidungs Gerate Normen) (BAAINBW, n.d.) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standardised Agreement (NATO, 2017) were used to ensure the Type 218SG submarine design was based on technical requirements which have been fully validated.

TKMS started construction on the third and fourth submarines in January 2019. Singapore’s four new Type 218SG submarines will replace the Navy’s two 1,500 ton Archer-class (60.5m x 6.1m) and two 1,400 ton Challenger-class (50m x 6.1m) submarines.

The RSN has operated the current submarine fleet, for two decades and gained experience in local warm waters. Type 218SG will be the first new-build submarine tailored to meet the RSN’s operating conditions. According to specifications provided by MINDEF, the four new boats will measure 70 meters in length and displace 2,000 tonnes. Beyond crew training in Germany, the RSN is also developing a submarine trainer suite (STS). The STS is currently in the design review phase and will comprise a command team trainer, steering and diving trainer, virtual procedural trainer and maintenance trainer.

Submariners now go through a nine-month course, which the navy is hoping to shorten to six months with the use of virtual technology. Senior Lieutenant-Colonel Loh Mun Heng was the second of two officers from the RSN who have been sent to the Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine Command Course so far, which trains submariners to become commanding officers. Both passed the course, which is known for its high failure rate of more than 50 per cent. The RSN is the first Asian navy to have sent personnel who passed. SLTC Loh said that throughout the course, he was stress-tested to his limits, especially mentally.

"But I persevered and overcame the difficulties because I knew I was carrying the reputation of our submarine force on my shoulders," he said. As chief trainer of the Republic of Singapore Navy's submarine force, he is responsible for the training system to ensure there are sufficient numbers of well-trained submariners.

He has adapted aspects of his experience in the "Perisher" course to the RSN's training system, with local qualification courses redesigned to teach things beyond technical skills, to develop skills such as mental agility, situational awareness and command presence. "To me, the term 'Perisher' is more than a gruelling course. It is an attitude, a spirit, if you will," he said

 

[OPSSG]

Beyond conventional state sponsored threats to navigational safety, the maritime environment around Singapore faces security challenges such as terrorism, shipping of illegal arms, weapons of mass destruction and persons, as well as piracy. The seaborne terrorist attacks such as the 2008 Mumbai attack, where ten terrorists who arrived via boats killed more than 160 people, demonstrate the real possibility and grave consequences of terrorists infiltrating a country from the sea.

Singapore sits astride two of the busiest Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) in the world – the South China Sea and the Strait of Malacca – through which about one-third of the world's maritime trade is transported. The maritime industry is a significant feature of Singapore's economy and contributes around 7% of our Gross Domestic Product. The Singapore Navy plays a key role in keeping these SLOCs open, not only for Singapore, but indeed, for the world.

Say hello to Singapore’s newest submarine – Republic of Singapore Navy’s Invincible! She was launched today at Kiel, Germany at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard.

She will be the first of the four Invincible-class submarines customised to operate in Singapore’s shallow and busy tropical waters. More importantly, they can stay submerged longer and carry more weapons than any of our previous submarines.

Congratulations to the RSN, DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency and our German partners on today’s successful launch!

On behalf of the Singapore Navy, I would like to give thanks to an unnamed and immediate neighbour who greatly help our navy present a compelling case for force modernisation - even as our defense spending as a percentage of our GDP is falling (over the medium to longer term). The Singapore government will spend about S$22.7 billion, or 30 per cent of its total expenditure in Financial Year (FY) 2019, on defence, security and diplomacy, Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced in his Budget statement on Feb 18. In FY2018, defence, security and diplomacy spending accounted for about 28 per cent of the total Government expenditure.

“Given its strategic significance, the Government will continue to invest a significant share of our resources … to support our defence, security and diplomacy efforts,” he told Parliament. “This spending is significant but indispensable. We will invest more, if the need arises, to protect the sovereignty of Singapore and the well-being of Singaporeans.” Defence spending is expected to hit S$15.5 billion, up from S$14.8 billion from (FY) 2018, up from S$14.20 billion in (FY) 2017, while Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs spending is expected to hold steady at S$6.7 billion and S$0.5 billion, respectively. Read more at Budget 2019: 30% of Government expenditure to go towards defence, security and diplomacy

Along with the Victory-class replacement (or Multi-Role Combat Vessel), Invincible, as the 1st of 4 Type 218SG boats in the class, will signal completion of the 3rd generation transformation of our navy (into a capable and formidable force) that can project naval power up to 1,000 km from our shores. After handing over the Invincible in 2021, the second submarine is scheduled to be delivered in 2022. The third and fourth submarines are scheduled to follow from 2024 onwards.

Singapore’s four new submarines will replace the navy’s current Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines. Beyond its longer length and diameter, compared to its predecessor classes of submarines operated by the Singapore Navy, enabling the Invincible class to house a large flank array sonar, special attention has also been paid to the Combat System with ST Electronics, co-developing it with Atlas Elektronik GmbH. The Invincible class and its large flank array sonar needs sufficient electrical power for enhanced performance of its flank and towed array sonars. The Invincible class has classification sonar sensors in the low and ultra low frequency range, giving it an edge in its ability to compile a high resolution tactical picture when compared to our Archer-class and Challenger-class submarines. Modern combat systems and more capable sensors, with linkages to the RSN, will enable the new submarines to have improved wide-area awareness. Together with advanced automation and indigenously-developed sense-making systems in combat and platform suites, the new submarines will have enhanced situational awareness and accelerated decision-making support systems, allowing submariners to rapidly orientate themselves, decide on the best course of action, and act. The sense-making systems include data analytics and decision support engines developed by DSTA.

The Invincible class submarine crew can look forward to larger living spaces compared to the RSN’s older submarines, meaning hygiene on board will improve and the crew can endure longer underwater, said Colonel Teo Chin Leong, Commanding Officer of the 171 Squadron, which will receive the new submarines. He added: "The crew will be undergoing training in phases. First at an individual level before they move on to operate the submarine as a group." The three remaining Type 218SG submarines - named Impeccable, Illustrious and Inimitable - are still under construction. Read more at Made for Singapore: First of four custom-built RSN submarines launched in Germany

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Invincible-class submarine, Invincible, at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 18 Feb 2019. The submarine was launched by Mrs Ng, wife of Dr Ng. Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Andreas Krause, Republic of Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong and senior defence officials from both countries attended the launch ceremony. Dr Ng was in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from 15 to 17 Feb 2019, where he spoke at the conference and had bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts.

 

[Joe Black]

With the RSN now turn to a German designed and built sub class, does that also mean that RSN will need to acquire new heavy weight torpedoes for the new Invincible class. Both the Challenger and Archer classes are swedish built and they have been using swedish torpedoes. I do wonder if they are compatible with the German subs and if new type of torpedoes such as the DM2A4 (typically used on German built subs) will be acquired or RSN will continue to rely solely on the Black Shark torpedoes.

 

[Joe Black]

Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) to replace Victory class Missiles Covette (MCV)

In another piece of news, RSN will be replacing the MCVs with the MRCVs by 2030.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=776488942725345

"The new Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) will replace the ageing Victory-class Missile Corvettes, which have served the Republic of Singapore Navywith distinction since 1989.

A leaner crew aided by automation technologies will man the MRCVs. These innovations will translate into operational cost savings of up to 10 per cent, as compared to similar-sized frigates. The first of these will be delivered around 2025 and the full delivery is expected by 2030.

Besides advanced capabilities, the new MRCVs are custom-built for lean manning and aided by technologies to automate certain functions. This means the MRCVs will require less manpower and allow for operational cost savings of up to 10%, compared to similar-sized frigates. The MRCVs will also have unmanned air and sea drones to extend their reach and flexibility against threats. "

From the CG rendering of the MRCV, it will appear that the MRCV will be a just a little smaller than the Formidable class frigate, the size between a Corvette and a frigate. My guess is that it will be around 90-110m in length, perhaps around the 2000+ ton in displacement. The in front of the bridge looks somewhat like a 4x8 cells VLS, in the A-gun position a 76mm main gun.

AShMs are mounded behind the enclosed mast and the funnels (similar to that of the Formidable class frigates). Helo capable, possibly a hanger.

The enclose mast looks like being equipped with a 4 side Active Phased array radar, my guess it would be either the Thales Sea Fire 500, or the Saab Giraffe 4A.

My guess is this vessel will be going back to using the French Sylver VLS rather than the Mk41, and the most likely SAM would there be both the Asters and the Micas VLs. Wonder if they can quad-pack the MICAs like the ESSMs.

To be honest, this vessel would be a light frigate at the minimum. It is probably more correct to be classified as one.

 

[swerve]

There's another MBDA product which they should be able to quad-pack: CAMM. And the Italians are working on CAMM-ER, which will have longer range but the same maximum width, & should be quad-packable in Sylver A43.

 

[Todjaeger]

There's another MBDA product which they should be able to quad-pack: CAMM. And the Italians are working on CAMM-ER, which will have longer range but the same maximum width, & should be quad-packable in Sylver A43.

The Sea Ceptor version of CAMM can be quad-packed in Mk 41 VLS, so it would be likely that they could also be quad-packed in Sylver VLS. Assuming of course someone is willing to pay to develop the capability...

 

[John Fedup]

An interesting future naval design concept from Singapore.

Singaporean company unveils submersible fast attack boat concept

 

[ngatimozart]

An interesting future naval design concept from Singapore.

Singaporean company unveils submersible fast attack boat concept

Reminds me a bit of another sub known as Stingray. Looks an interesting concept.

 

[OPSSG]

ST have made available a usual product sheet on their website.

https://www.stengg.com/media/617840/imdex-2019-st-engineering-product-factsheet.pdf

The concept also allows for commonalities (e.g. scalable hull form, machinery & equipment, system & layout designs, standards for
outfitting and installation) across the different classes of vessels such as the new Vanguard 130 Multi-role Combatant, combatants such as frigate, light frigate, corvette, as well as offshore patrol vessel, and naval research and support vessel.

That approach makes some sense with respect to the time frame of the Anzac frigate replacement project and the Protector replacement project which will see another 2030's bottleneck.

Thanks for the link. ST Marine’s Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant seems to be targeted at the future requirements of the New Zealand and Singapore navies.

The Vanguard 130 is a full fledged surface combatant because it is fitted with VLS for surface to air missile, anti-ship missile launchers, torpedo launchers, decoy launchers as well as 76mm, 30mm and 12.7mm gun mounts. The ship has a length of 130 meters, a speed of 28 knots and a displacement of 5,000 tons (as shown at the concept displayed at IMDEX) and will easily be the largest surface combatant in the Singapore Navy. This Multi-Role Combat Vessels will replace the ageing Victory-class Missile Corvettes, which have served with distinction since 1989. Delivery is expected to begin from 2025, with full delivery expected around 2030. The Singapore Navy has yet to issue its requirements for this future program however some information about it appeared recently when Singapore MINDEF outlined its future procurement plans.

 

[OPSSG]

Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) to replace Victory class Missiles Covette (MCV)

From the CG rendering of the MRCV, it will appear that the MRCV will be a just a little smaller than the Formidable class frigate, the size between a Corvette and a frigate. My guess is that it will be around 90-110m in length, perhaps around the 2000+ ton in displacement. The in front of the bridge looks somewhat like a 4x8 cells VLS, in the A-gun position a 76mm main gun.

AShMs are mounded behind the enclosed mast and the funnels (similar to that of the Formidable class frigates). Helo capable, possibly a hanger.

The enclose mast looks like being equipped with a 4 side Active Phased array radar, my guess it would be either the Thales Sea Fire 500, or the Saab Giraffe 4A.

My guess is this vessel will be going back to using the French Sylver VLS rather than the Mk41, and the most likely SAM would there be both the Asters and the Micas VLs. Wonder if they can quad-pack the MICAs like the ESSMs.

To be honest, this vessel would be a light frigate at the minimum. It is probably more correct to be classified as one.

If it has Sea Fire 500, it’s a multi-role frigate that can also operate with a “quite significant reduction” in manpower - at 5,000 tons and at 130m long x 18 m wide. The Vanguard 130 will be bigger than the Formidable Class; it can carry two Venus 16 USVs, two Mercury AUVs and two ScanEagle UAVs. It also has a mission bay capable of holding smaller USVs and manned boats (see: Submarine hunter, recon leader: What a naval mothership and its unmanned systems can do ). The design reflects the lessons learnt from the crew manning requirements from the Gulf of Aden deployments; and the need to provide berths, a gym and so on for the boarding teams.

From what I see, ST Marine have taken the LMV manning concept and transplanted to this class of ship - for a maritime security role.

The Vanguard 130 is optimized for manned and unmanned teaming operations with 3 bays to cater to different mission and operational requirements in the mid- and stern- platform areas. The 3 bays area are respectively accommodated under the stern flight deck with two launch and recovery stations for two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and unmanned surface vessels utilizing the ST Engineering’s patented Q-LARS 2.0 launch and recovery system, on the port and starboard sides of the helicopter hangar with flushed (side) doors to support the delivery of ROVs & AUVs and amidships. The under-flight deck area has also side-hull opening doors and flexible moving payloads system to accommodate additional 20 foot ISO containers mission modules (8 in total in the various areas) or other materiel. According to information provided by ST Engineering representatives during IMDEX 2019, the new Vanguard 130 platform has been designed to accommodate the latest 18-meters Swift under development and unveiled by ST Engineering during the same exhibition.

I am interested in the integration of the radar and electro-optical sensor for 360 defence. I favour the Sea Fire due to Aster integration, for area defence - which is being qualified by the French Navy.

This radar also provides a potential future upgrade path for the Formidable Class. The 4 sided Sea Fire radar is much more capable. As an area defence radar for the ASTER 15/30 missiles (with a new seeker), the Sea Fire 500 radar (if selected) gives our vessel the performance of much larger ones. This radar can track 800 objects simultaneously without saturation at a range of up to 500 kilometers in the air and 80 kilometers on the surface.

 

[40 deg south]

I've always been a fan of Xavier Vavasseur of Navy Recognition, now rebranded as Naval News.

They have some good videos of IMDEX which recently finished in Singapore.

This video includes Damen's Crossover range of low-end frigates, which might be the sort of thing NZ is interested in further down the track.

 

[OPSSG]

I've always been a fan of Xavier Vavasseur of Navy Recognition, now rebranded as Naval News.

They have some good videos of IMDEX which recently finished in Singapore.

This video includes Damen's Crossover range of low-end frigates, which might be the sort of thing NZ is interested in further down the track.

Agreed.

ST Marine’s Vanguard 130 Multi-Role Combatant is part of a series of five classes (of different lengths at 80m, 95m, 105m, 120m and 130m) that delivers multi-modal capabilities with one design. The Vanguard family platform features a CODAD/ CODOE with controllable pitch propellers supporting a hybrid propulsion system based on 4×8 MW propulsion diesel engines and 2×1.5 MW electrical motor/shaft generator in addition to 4×1.5 MW diesel generators providing lower acoustic, operational and maintenance costs in addition to increase survivability. This family of systems approach enables enhanced cost efficiencies across the platforms as all five classes share common hull forms that reduce acquisition costs and seems to be targeted at the future requirements of the New Zealand and Singapore navies.

It is likely to use the LMVs' Combat Management System that features a fusion and identification to track contacts, and provide threat evaluation weapon assignment engine, including a 76/62 mm naval gun, surface-to-air missile vertical launch system (rendering shows up to 38 cells but its depends on requirements and missile payload), two-30 mm remotely controlled and two-12.7 mm guns in addition to smaller machine-guns, surface-to-surface missile launchers, two-chaff/IR/jammer decoy launchers and two-anti torpedo decoy launchers, as well as the 15-ton helicopter and unmanned surface and air systems capabilities.