ST Engineering announced to have proceeded to the second Multi-Role Combat Vessel’s (MRCV) first steel cutting on April 24th, in presence of the Rear Admiral Augustine Lim, Chief of Staff, Naval Staff.
This event marks the continuation of the good production rhythm and the respect of the schedule for the Singaporean shipbuilder. The vessels have been eagerly awaited by RSN to ensure that its fleet continues to grow in power and versatility, while coping with its human resources limitations.
The company published via LinkedIn the following post:
“Steel has been cut for the second Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) at our Benoi Yard last week – marking another key milestone for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s next-gen fleet!
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 peacetime roles to operational readiness.
As the second vessel’s construction commences, we will support the construction of the MRCVs more productively through the use of automation, AI, and 5G digital infrastructure and unmanned technologies in our smart Gul Yard.”
The Republic of Singapore Navy also announced the ceremony on social media accounts, and mentioned that the MRCVs are expected to be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards, and are designed to serve as ‘motherships’ for unmanned systems.
For the record, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced on 27 March 2023 that ST Engineering had been awarded the contract for detailed design and construction of the six frigate-sized MRCVs. The DSTA also contracted Saab, who partnered with Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) in Denmark, to jointly develop the MRCV’s basic design. The construction of the first vessel started in March 2024 and her keel laying took place seven month later to be delivered from 2028.
About MRCV
The MRCVs will replace the six Victory-class corvettes currently in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, with a greater design emphasis on the MRCVs’ capabilities as “motherships” for autonomous and uncrewed systems over conventional weapon systems. While the Navy has not disclosed many details around specifications and equipment to be installed, Naval News learned during the 2023 IMDEX exhibition that the MRCVs are expected to displace 8,000 tons, and will have a “lean” crew complement of about 80 sailors.
Additionally, the following systems are set to be installed on the ships:
- Leonardo’s 76mm naval gun in the STRALES variant
- MBDA’s VL MICA NG and Aster B1 NT air defence missiles
- ST Engineering / IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles
- Thales’ SeaFire multifunction radar
- Safran’s PASEO XLR EO/IR system
- Safran’s NGDS decoy launching system
