RSN capabilities

[OPSSG]

While navalnews / Xavier Vavasseur has presumbly done his groundwork to verify this sources, I would prefer to wait and see more information on the exact configuration and tonnage.

Agreed, we should wait for more news to emerge on the MRCV. Because it’s a mothership, it is really exciting to see a small littoral navy go through a renaissance in doctrine development.

There is a new Singapore Navy video on FB that drops some hints, in quite a few areas of these developments, especially on what is to be carried on the 6 MRCVs.

1st female crew on subs on the Type 218SG (to replace Challenger class) — which will improve both ISR & sea denial capability.

Design & development team on the MRCV (to replace Victory class) — to usher in the growth of unmanned systems teaming.

Veloce 60 UAS crew (to replace Scaneagle) — to move from UAVs to UAS.

NDU’s special boat group and the Combatant Craft Large — to develop deep insertion & extraction capabilities for the NDU.

What does it take to realise the extraordinary? At the 2023 RSN Workplan Seminar held this morning in MINDEF, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat acknowledged... | By Republic of Singapore Navy | Facebook

What does it take to realise the extraordinary? At the 2023 RSN Workplan Seminar held this morning in MINDEF, Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat acknowledged...

fb.watch

 

[OPSSG]

Ex Maritime Cooperation

1. The last Ex Maritime Cooperation was held 8 years ago.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1652916930565783553

2. A range of serials, including helicopter cross-deck landing, gunnery firing, replenishment-at-sea approaches, search & rescue, simulated minefield transits, plus communication & manoeuvring exercises was conducted.

3. During the shore phase, personnel engaged in joint planning, & combined training at the Damage Control Trainer.

4. The bilateral maritime exercise was held from 28 Apr to 1 May 2023.

 

[OPSSG]

Post 1 of 3: RSN Updates at or after IMDEX Asia 2023

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1653905192830779396

1. A update at IMDEX Asia 2023, on progress of the Singapore Navy’s 6 MRCVs the 1st of which is due for 2028 delivery. DSTA has engaged Saab Kockums and Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) to provide the basic design by the end of 2023, before ST Engineering dives into detail in work 2024 as well as the construction phase.

2. OMT is part of the team that presented the design for the Type 31 frigate, and is also responsible for the Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, both between 5,700 and 6,600 tons. An initial rendering also shows the MRCV with two stern ramps to deploy and retrieve large RHIB-sized craft.

3. Worth almost US$7 billion in total, the development of the new Singaporean naval capabilities over the next decade will see submarine deliveries from 2023 to 2025, the 1st Multi-Role Combat Vessels entering service from 2028 and a contract for the Joint Multi-Mission Ships in 2027 or 2028. There is a great CNO interview by Chen Chuanren that provides context:

“One challenge that confronts the RSN, and indeed Singapore as a whole, is the shrinking manpower resource,” RADM Sean Wat said. “In building the Navy's capabilities for the future, we have looked at how we can design work processes to be more efficient so as to allow us to do more, with less. In the next bound, the RSN will leverage unmanned technology to continue to expand our operational envelope without levying a heavy manpower cost,” he added.​

​

In addition, RADM Wat said, “…the fleet of the future will likely be one of manned-unmanned pairing, which will allow us to reap the efficiencies of both manned & unmanned operations through proper integration & synergy.”​

 

[koxinga]

2. OMT is part of the team that presented the design for the Type 31 frigate, and is also responsible for the Danish Navy’s Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, both between 5,700 and 6,600 tons. An initial rendering also shows the MRCV with two stern ramps to deploy and retrieve large RHIB-sized craft.

And there goes the 10,000 ton article. Not sure how navalnews got that scoop wrong.

 

[OPSSG]

Post 2 of 3: RSN Updates at or after IMDEX Asia 2023

4. At the International Maritime Security Conference held with IMDEX Asia 2023, some have noted the growing mistrust between America and China exacerbates the security dilemma, raising the risks of inadvertent and accidental escalation in the South China Sea and the East Seas.

​

(a) On the one side, Japan and the US lack of strategic empathy for China —but China is also at fault for a failure to imagine how PLA(N) & CCG actions are perceived by the littoral states of ASEAN. This action-reaction cycle further fuels this dynamic.​

​

(b) Countries like Indonesia and Singapore don’t want to choose between the US and China. They also don’t depict regional challenges in the Biden administration’s ideological terms.​

And there goes the 10,000 ton article. Not sure how navalnews got that scoop wrong.

5. No idea why it is wrong or close enough — I didn’t think it was correct to present as such in the first place. I’m waiting for Naval News to release a video to share the latest.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1654051456574697474

6. Mike has uploaded a MINDEF video on the MRCV.

 

[Ananda]

Just add Xavier interview and assessment on MRCV as part of his video as 1st day in IMDEX. Asside video of MRCV from Singapore MINDEF that OPSSG already put link above, Xavier also conduct interviews with all parties that going to be involve with the project. This means SAAB, ST Engineering, Thales and MBDA.

On last part in the video Xavier also put info on Blue Spear SSM that's being worked out by ST engineering with IAI.

In this Video Xavier still say his information talk about 10000 ton gross weight of this MRCV. So seems there's still info that Naval News quite sure on the weight of the MRCV, as this videos still hours in release.

 

[Redlands18]

Just add Xavier interview and assessment on MRCV as part of his video as 1st day in IMDEX. Asside video of MRCV from Singapore MINDEF that OPSSG already put link above, Xavier also conduct interviews with all parties that going to be involve with the project. This means SAAB, ST Engineering, Thales and MBDA.

On last part in the video Xavier also put info on Blue Spear SSM that's being worked out by ST engineering with IAI.

In this Video Xavier still say his information talk about 10000 ton gross weight of this MRCV. So seems there's still info that Naval News quite sure on the weight of the MRCV, as this videos still hours in release.

Very interesting project worth following, irrespective of what displacement is given, that is a large ship. Definitely 140m+ long and 20 odd metre beam.

 

[koxinga]

In this Video Xavier still say his information talk about 10000 ton gross weight of this MRCV. So seems there's still info that Naval News quite sure on the weight of the MRCV, as this videos still hours in release.

Displacement is a math formula and is a function of length, breadth, draft and block coefficient (Seamanship: How To Find Ship Or Vessel Displacement In Sea Water And In Fresh Water)

With a 10000 ton displacement (full load), that MRCV will be significantly larger than the basic OMT design, more than just a scaled up Iver. This is where the question is at.

 

[Ananda]

10000 ton displacement (full load), that MRCV will be significantly larger than the basic OMT design, more than just a scaled up Iver

The Video from Singaporean MINDEF I believe shown this is bigger then Iver/Type 31 design. Similarities on the design dimensions perhaps more reflected with German Baden-Wurttemberg (F125) class.



I'm not marine architect, but looking on the video from Singapore MINDEF, comparing the dimension of the main gun (which potentially similar gun) is seems smaller in MRCV then in Baden-Wurttemberg above. So it will be more likely in the dimensions of next F-126.

Just from my amateur eyes, what Singapore MINDEF video shown on dimensions seems reflects dimensions on F126 which projected around 10000 tons.

However agree there're questions on real dimensions on this MRCV. Still Xavier ussualy put something in their video after getting from what they consider realiable info.

 

[OPSSG]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1654427823610920960

Blue Spear will be incorporated as part of the Formidable class' mid-life upgrades (MLUs), said the RSN's Commander First Flotilla, Colonel Ng Kok Yeng, Daniel, & it will replace the Harpoon.

Singapore's Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen disclosed in March 2022 that the RSN's 6 Formidable-class frigates, which were commissioned between 2007 & 2009, will undergo an MLU programme. Blue Spear will replace Harpoon as part of MLU.

Edit: This is the 4th country adopting the missile, after Israel, Finland and Estonia (land based). In Israeli Navy service, this surface-to-surface missile (SSM) is called Gabriel 5; when used in Estonian coastal defence, this SSM is called Blue Spear.

 

[CJohn]

I think Finland has also selected The Gabriel V to be fitted aboard the existing Hamina class fast attack craft and aboard the future Pohjanmaa class corvettes.

Finnish Navy Lifts Veil on its Future Anti-Ship Missile: The Gabriel V - Naval News

The Finnish Navy (Merivoimat) unveiled some details about its future anti-ship missile: The Gabriel V. The information is limited but since details on Gabriel V were pretty much non-existent to date, it is a good start and worth a mention here.

www.navalnews.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

No much details are given in this article. But this MLU will undoubtly keep the Formidable Class operational and up-to-date for the next updates.

IMDEX 2023: Singapore to begin mid-life upgrades on first Formidable frigate in 2024

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will begin mid-life upgrade (MLU) works on the country's first Formidable-class frigate in 2024.

www.janes.com

 

[OPSSG]

1. At #PacificGriffin 2023, RSS Tenacious fired Harpoon missiles & @ridzwan_rahmat of Jane’s also reported that RSS Dauntless, has carried out the class' inaugural firing of the VL MICA missile. A video of the naval serials conducted at Ex #PacificGriffin, including:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1674024853660221440

(a) the ASW serial with the launch & recovery of a S70B;​

(b) the anti-air warfare serial with a VL MICA launch by RSS Dauntless; &​

(c) the ASuW serial with the launch of 2 Harpoons by RSS Tenacious.​

2. Participating USN assets include USS Manchester (LCS 14), Ticonderoga cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), & maritime patrol aircraft fm CTF-72. Participating RSN assets include RSS Tenacious (71), RSS Dauntless (21), & a S-70B Naval Helicopter.

 

[OPSSG]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1677548668147339265

1. Escorted by RSS Unity (17) & a pair of armed F-16s, Singapore’s 2nd TKMS built Invincible class submarine, ‘Impeccable’ (that is yet to be commissioned), returns home for the 1st time; & the boat is being unloaded at the waters near Changi naval base.

2. 10 years ago, RSS Swordsman (formerly, HSwMS Västergötland) was acquired from the Royal Swedish Navy & commissioned into Singapore Navy service. The boat underwent various comprehensive & extensive sea trials in Sweden before being commissioned in Singapore on 30 Apr 2013.

3. The Archer class submarines (ex.Västergötland class) are a class of 2 modernised AIP submarines that are to be retired when the 3rd & 4th of the Type 218SGs are commissioned.

4. This means that from 2023 to ~2026, the Singapore Navy will operate up to 6 submarines (as the Challenger & Archer class submarines are progressively retired), during the transition away from the Swedish made boats.

5. There is some urgency to retire the last 2 Challenger class submarines (ex.Sjöormen class), as these are very old. RSS Conqueror (ex-HSwMS Sjölejonet) and RSS Chieftain (ex-HSwMS Sjöhunden) were both commissioned into Swedish service in Dec 1968, prior their transfer into Singapore service. The sister boats, Challenger and Centurion were retired in 2015, after the Archer class entered service.

6. To support the CONOPS needed, the RSN needed the larger 2,200 ton Type 218SG to have:

(a) a longer endurance;

(b) a larger payload; &

(c) greater sensor reach.

 

[koxinga]

Well, then, BaseLeg / aka Mike Yeo is reporting that RSN has selected the Fassmer OPV (4 units) to replace the Sentinel class (repurposed Fearless class OPV) for MARSEC missions.

Edit: MINDEF press release included

Fassmer was in competition with ST (domestic design) and Lurssen. Singapore's procurement strategy these days shows that while it supports domestic / national companies, it is not a slamdunk or a guarantee to buy local.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1726543860678242597

MINDEF Signs Contract with Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG (Fassmer) To Acquire Offshore Patrol Vessels

MINDEF has signed a contract with Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG (Fassmer) to acquire four new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs).

www.mindef.gov.sg

 

[kato]

Will be interesting whether it will actually be based on the Potsdam class shown.

The Potsdam class is a purpose-built design variation of Fassmer's OPV80, which has also been built for (and in) Colombia and Chile. The main changes to the standard OPV80 is a lengthening of the hull by 6m to accomodate two rows of storage containers in the lower deck, a slight reconfiguration of the stern slip ramp to accommodate two RHIBs side-by-side instead of one, and the omission of a helicopter hangar (in between the two funnels)

Likely Singapore will also have some bespoke design variation choices on the OPV80 of its own.

Fassmer itself does have a subsidiary company in Singapore btw, although that company basically only sells and supports lifeboats and rescue boats.

 

[ngatimozart]

Interesting video on time at sea on a Singapore LCS.

 

[koxinga]

Well, steel cutting for the first MRCV has taken place on 8 March.

Singapore cuts steel for first multirole combat vessel

Singapore's ST Engineering Marine held a steel-cutting ceremony for the country's first multirole combat vessel (MRCV) on 8 March.

www.janes.com

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

Well, steel cutting for the first MRCV has taken place on 8 March.

Singapore cuts steel for first multirole combat vessel

Singapore's ST Engineering Marine held a steel-cutting ceremony for the country's first multirole combat vessel (MRCV) on 8 March.

www.janes.com

|"The replacement of the RSN's Victory-class Missile Corvettes with the Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) is proceeding as planned, with six MRCVs expected to be delivered by 2030. The MRCV employs key technologies such as configurable modular payloads and unmanned systems, allowing the vessel to function as a "mothership" for unmanned drones and vessels to conduct a range of missions from peace to war."|

So these six new warship will replace the six Victory-Class corvettes and fill in a role like the Absalon-Class multirole frigates.
Will it also replace the current class of minehunters?

 

[Redlands18]

|"The replacement of the RSN's Victory-class Missile Corvettes with the Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) is proceeding as planned, with six MRCVs expected to be delivered by 2030. The MRCV employs key technologies such as configurable modular payloads and unmanned systems, allowing the vessel to function as a "mothership" for unmanned drones and vessels to conduct a range of missions from peace to war."|

So these six new warship will replace the six Victory-Class corvettes and fill in a role like the Absalon-Class multirole frigates.
Will it also replace the current class of minehunters?

IMDEX 2023: Singapore shares MRCV design details | Shephard

Singapore's new Multi Role Combat Vessel is designed to be a 'mothership' for various types of uncrewed systems, the navy has revealed.

www.shephardmedia.com

Funny you should compare them to the Absalon class, they will actually be a cousin to the Absalon/Huitfeldt/Type 31 family. They are designed in cooperation between Saab Kockums and the original designer of the Absalon, OMT and there is definitely some resemblance to there.