On October 1, 2026, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has launched its first new Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), Sentinel, in Germany.
The launch ceremony was attended by Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Chan Chun Sing, and his wife, who served as the vessel’s Lady Sponsor and formally christened the ship. German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, German Navy Chief Vice Admiral Wilhelm Tobias Abry, RSN Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from both countries were also present.
Singapore has ordered four of the new OPVs, which are being built for the country by German shipbuilder Fassmer. The vessels are Singapore Government Vessels rather than commissioned RSN warships, and are intended to meet what the RSN describes as increased operational demands and a broader maritime-security mission set.
The class will progressively replace the current Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs), which entered service with the Maritime Security and Response Flotilla after being converted from former Fearless-class patrol boats. The first of the new vessels is expected to enter operational service from 2028.
The new OPVs are based on Fassmer’s OPV90 Mk II design, which was publicly unveiled at IMDEX Asia in Singapore in May 2025. Measuring 94.9 metres in length, the design is a larger development of Fassmer’s 86-metre offshore patrol vessel family, including the Potsdam-class operated by Germany’s Federal Police.
The vessel is armed with a Leonardo 76 mm Strales gun forward and two 30 mm remote-controlled gun mounts. It also features a Saab Giraffe 1X rotating AESA radar, a fire-control radar and navigation radars. Fassmer has not publicly confirmed whether Singapore’s ships will carry the same equipment fit.
The OPV90 Mk II design incorporates several features suited to extended maritime-security operations. These include facilities for a helicopter of up to 12 tonnes, two RHIB launch bays, and space for containerised mission systems. Four 20-foot ISO containers can be embarked in a dedicated area ahead of the flight deck, while further mission modules may be carried internally.
Such flexibility could allow the vessels to support a range of tasks, from patrol and surveillance to boarding operations, disaster relief, unmanned-system operations and the deployment of specialised equipment. The design’s dual bow thrusters are intended to improve manoeuvrability, while the hull incorporates forward bracing intended to offer protection during close-quarters encounters.
Construction of the first two hulls began at BLRT Western Shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania, under Fassmer’s programme for Singapore. With Sentinel now launched, the programme has moved into its next phase ahead of fitting-out, trials and delivery.
The new vessels will join a wider RSN force that includes Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels, Formidable-class frigates and submarine forces, while operating in the maritime-security role under Singapore Government Vessel status.
