DSTA and Saab will co-develop and design the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV)
DSTA press release
The partnership will see the two organisations jointly implement initiatives in the three domains of long-term supportability, people development and smart technologies. Under the MOU, DSTA and Saab will co-develop and design the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to realise the MRCV’s concept as a highly digital ship.
Through this collaborative agreement, DSTA also aims to nurture local talent in surface ships design, naval and digital technology. Through work attachment and internships with Saab, DSTA engineers and scholars will get opportunities to deepen their technical competencies and better facilitate the build-up of in-country capabilities in the industry to undertake repair of composite structures for ships and radar overhaul in the future.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with Saab. Besides setting the stage to jointly deliver an advanced, digitalised and data-driven Multi-Role Combat Vessel, the partnership will help accelerate the growth of knowledge not only in ship design but also in technologies of strategic significance such as AI and data analytics. To this end, it will lead to a more robust in-country talent pipeline of defence engineers and technologists with real-world experience.”
Mr Mervyn Tan, DSTA’s Chief Executive,
Mr Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums, said, “This agreement is the result of many years of cooperation between Saab and DSTA and a recognition of our competitive edge in technology areas that are crucial for the future. We look forward to a deeper collaboration that will surely benefit both parties.”
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Naval News comments: About MRCV
The new Multi-Role Combat Vessels will replace the ageing Victory-class Missile Corvettes, which have served with distinction since 1989. Delivery was initially expected to begin from 2025, with full delivery expected around 2030.
Besides improving capabilities, the new MRCVs will be custom-built for lean manning and incorporate technologies to automate certain functions. This results in the MRCV using less manpower – about half the size found in modern frigates. In addition, this will result in operational cost savings of up to 10 per cent, compared to similar-sized frigates.
Naval News understands the MRCV will be a surface combatant but it will also act as a mothership for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and unmanned surface vehicles (USV) to extend its reach and flexibility against threats.
Naval News received preliminary information from various sources (who all wished to remain unnamed) that Saab is acting as prime contractor for the program. The design will be based off Denmark’s Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) Iver Huitfeldt / Absalon designs and displace approximately 10,000 tons at full load. It will feature an advanced electric propulsion system. The MRCVs will be assembled in Singapore by ST Engineering. The ships are set to feature Sea Fire radar by Thales and both ASTER and VL Mica surface to air missiles by MBDA. The design will also be able to accommodate mission containerized modules.
Naval News will try to confirm the above details during IMDEX Asia 2023, the naval defense exhibition held in Singapore in May.
Update 1
ST Engineering issued the following press release today (March 27);
ST Engineering Awarded Contract for Detailed Design and Construction of the Multi-Role Combat Vessels for the Republic of Singapore Navy
Singapore, 27 March 2023 – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that its subsidiary, ST Engineering Marine Ltd., has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the detailed design and construction of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
ST Engineering will be responsible for the procurement and integration of the platform equipment and MINDEF furnished equipment. Its scope of work will also include the undertaking of design and the provision of Integrated Logistics Support Engineering to support and maintain operational readiness during the lifespan of the MRCVs. The MRCVs will be constructed at ST Engineering Marine’s premises in Singapore. The six vessels are expected to be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards.
The MRCV is designed to function as a mothership and can operate a range of manned and unmanned systems in a flexible, intuitive and integrated manner. The MRCV will be able to support a wide spectrum of missions with maximum combat effectiveness.
“This contract affirms our capabilities to design and build large and complex naval vessels,” said Ng Sing Chan, President of Marine business at ST Engineering. “The new MRCV will harness the ‘multiplier effect’ of digital technologies, to meet the RSN’s requirements for faster, more efficient operations. It also demonstrates our commitment to support MINDEF in the area of design, construction, operations and support.”
The contract is not expected to have any material impact on either the net tangible assets per share or the earnings per share of ST Engineering Group of the current financial year.
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