On July 23, 2026, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced the launch ceremony of the second Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) at ST Engineering’s Benoi Shipyard.
Singapore MoD press release
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, officiated the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) second Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), Valour, at the ST Engineering’s Benoi Shipyard today (23 July).
The MRCV was launched by Mr Shanmugam’s spouse, who was the Lady Sponsor. The ceremony was also attended by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief Defence Scientist Mr Tan Peng Yam, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Shanmugam highlighted that a strong and capable Navy was integral to safeguarding Singapore’s sea lines of communication and sovereignty, “It is a fundamental national priority for us to keep our maritime approaches secure, open and free. In fact, it’s a matter of survival. The MRCV strengthens our Navy’s ability to help us fulfil this mission.” He added, “The future security environment continues to evolve. We will not be able to predict every challenge that we will face. But we can build platforms that can adapt and respond to a wide range of scenarios, and evolve alongside those challenges.”
MRCV Valour is the second of six MRCVs to be launched. The MRCV is designed to function as a “mothership” for unmanned aerial, surface and underwater systems for the conduct of naval operations. The MRCVs will also be equipped with advanced sensors, weapon systems and network capabilities. This will allow her to handle a wide range of threats, and function as a Command ship. Designed with advanced automation, the MRCV will be able to operate safely and effectively with a smaller crew compared to other warships of similar size and capability.
MRCV Valour will be undergoing outfitting, platform and combat systems integration, and acceptance trials. In parallel, pioneer MRCV crew will also begin training to prepare them to operationalise the ship in the coming years. The MRCVs will be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards.
The MRCV project reflects the strong partnership with the Defence Technology Community, including DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, ST Engineering, and other industry partners, to ensure that the ship can deliver its envisaged operational outcomes.
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About MRCV
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) ensures the seaward defence of Singapore and protects vital Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) by keeping them open and ensuring the unimpeded flow of goods, services, and energy. This requires a strong Navy to conduct operations both near and afar. The MRCVs, alongside the RSN’s existing assets, will enhance Singapore’s ability to safeguard our SLOCs, and contribute to regional security architecture and international efforts to ensure that our access to the sea remains unimpeded.
The MRCV combines the combat capabilities of a modern frigate with the carriage and control capacity needed to be a Mothership for a wide range of unmanned systems. Developed to meet the RSN’s unique operational requirements, it is the largest and most complex warship built to date in Singapore. Developed through a joint effort led by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), as well as DSO, ST Engineering and international partners, the MRCV demonstrates the deep expertise of Singapore’s Defence Technology Community and its strong partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Advanced Combatant and Mothership for Unmanned Capabilities
At 150m in length and with a displacement of 8,000 tonnes, the MRCVs are designed to function as Motherships for a range of unmanned systems. With an operational range exceeding 7,000nm – twice that of the Formidable-class frigates – and an endurance of over 21 days, the MRCVs enable the RSN to deploy a range of unmanned systems to protect Singapore’s SLOCs.
Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) deployed from the MRCVs will work together to expand the surveillance and operational reach of the ship across air, surface, and underwater domains. This enables one MRCV, with its fleet of unmanned technologies, to execute missions which would require multiple manned warships today.
The MRCVs will be equipped with advanced sensors and weapons to conduct high-end warfare, and perform the role of Command ship in support of SAF missions. It will also feature the latest Combat Management System (CMS), indigenously developed by DSTA, which incorporates advanced sense-making and decision-support capabilities.
Mission Modularity
Designed to host eight containerised modules in its mission bay, the MRCV can be re-configured for a wide range of missions within short periods of time. This provides increased operational flexibility as it allows the MRCV to also be deployed for missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). For example, if the onboard medical capabilities (i.e., Operating Theatre (OT), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Dependency Beds, Consultation Room, General Ward, and Pharmacy) are insufficient, the MRCV’s mission bays can accommodate Rapidly Deployable Maritime Containers (i.e. “clinic in a shipping container”) to increase its capabilities for HADR missions.
The capability to handle standardised shipping containers also streamlines logistics for the ship. Food, stores and maintenance equipment can be loaded and unloaded safely and efficiently.
The MRCVs will replace the existing Victory-class Missile Corvettes (MCVs), and will be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards. To honour the legacy of the Victory-class MCVs, the MRCVs will retain the names of the Victory-class MCVs. The first MRCV will be named Victory.
Future Ready Design
Beyond the flexibility that modular capabilities provide, the MRCVs are also built with significant growth margins:
- The high-voltage electrical distribution system – the MRCV’s “grid” – needed to power its Integrated Full Electric propulsion (IFEP) system – is designed to accommodate future systems which may have higher energy demands
- The superstructure is made from lightweight Composite material. This enhances ship stability by lowering the centre of gravity and provides additional weight margins to accommodate the insertion of new equipment.
The MRCV is also designed with advanced automation to enhance crew effectiveness and safety:
- The MRCV’s Bridge – the “cockpit” of ships – can be operated by two crew instead of five, and the Engineering Control Centre only requires one crew instead of four to monitor ship systems.
- Onboard cranes streamline the process of loading/unloading of supplies, weapons, equipment. The Mission Bays are also fitted with a cargo elevator as well as equipment for efficient internal movement of containers.
Characteristics
Length: 150m
Beam: 21m
Displacement: 8000 tones
Speed: In excess of 22 knots
Endurance: Over 7000nm
Baseline Complement Crew Size: <100 crew members
Sensors
- Thales Multi-Function Radar
- Thales Fire Control Radar
- SAFRAN Electro-Optical System
- Hull Mounted Sonar
- Cyber Security Capabilities
Weapons
- STRALES 76mm Guided Gun
- MK30-C 30mm Remotely-Controlled Weapon System
- MICA and ASTER Surface to Air Missile System
- Surface-to-Surface Missile System*
*To be confirmed subsequently
You can watch Naval News coverage of the MRCV at Imdex Asia 2023 from the link below:
