Singapore - ST Engineering has achieved another significant milestone in the development of the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) next-generation fleet with the first steel cutting ceremony for the second Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV). The event, held on April 24th at ST Engineering's Benoi Yard, was attended by Rear Admiral Augustine Lim, Chief of Staff, Naval Staff, underscoring the importance of this program for Singapore's maritime defense capabilities.

This latest development signifies the continued momentum and adherence to schedule in the construction of these highly anticipated vessels for the RSN. The MRCVs are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the Navy's operational effectiveness and versatility, particularly in light of manpower constraints.

In a LinkedIn post, ST Engineering highlighted the significance of the event, stating: "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 company further elaborated on the advanced capabilities of the MRCVs, emphasizing their role as "motherships" for unmanned systems. These vessels will integrate configurable modular payloads and a suite of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned surface vessels (USVs), enabling them to conduct a wide spectrum of missions, from peacetime operations to high-intensity conflict scenarios.

ST Engineering also noted their commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies in the construction process. "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 company stated. This focus on advanced manufacturing techniques aims to ensure efficient and timely delivery of the vessels.

The Republic of Singapore Navy also acknowledged the steel cutting ceremony on its social media platforms, reiterating the expected progressive delivery of the MRCVs starting from 2028. The Navy emphasized the MRCVs' innovative design as "motherships" for a variety of unmanned systems, highlighting their pivotal role in future maritime operations.

The contract for the detailed design and construction of the six frigate-sized MRCVs was awarded to ST Engineering by Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on March 27, 2023. The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) also enlisted the expertise of Saab, partnering with Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) of Denmark, to jointly develop the basic design of these advanced warships. Construction of the first MRCV commenced in March 2024, with its keel laying taking place seven months later, keeping it on track for the anticipated 2028 delivery.

The MRCV program represents a significant leap forward in the RSN's modernization efforts. These new vessels will replace the aging Victory-class corvettes, which have served the nation for decades. However, the MRCVs feature a fundamental shift in design philosophy, prioritizing their capacity to operate and coordinate autonomous and uncrewed systems over traditional weapon-centric roles. This emphasis on unmanned capabilities reflects the evolving landscape of naval warfare and the RSN's commitment to leveraging technological advancements.

While specific details regarding the MRCVs' specifications and onboard equipment remain largely undisclosed, insights gained during the 2023 IMDEX (International Maritime Defence Exhibition & Conference) suggest a displacement of approximately 8,000 tons and a relatively lean crew complement of around 80 sailors. This reduced crew size is made possible by the integration of advanced automation and the operational deployment of unmanned systems.

Based on available information, the MRCVs are expected to be equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors and weapon systems, including:

Main Gun: Leonardo 76mm naval gun in the STRALES variant, known for its precision and anti-air capabilities.
Air Defence Missiles: MBDA VL MICA NG (New Generation) and Aster B1 NT (New Technology) vertical launch air defence missiles, providing robust protection against aerial threats.
Anti-Ship Missiles: ST Engineering / IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles, offering significant offensive firepower against surface targets.
Multifunction Radar: Thales SeaFire multifunction radar, a cutting-edge system providing advanced air and surface surveillance, as well as fire control capabilities.
Electro-Optical/Infrared System: Safran PASEO XLR EO/IR system for enhanced situational awareness, target identification, and tracking.
Decoy Launching System: Safran NGDS (New Generation Decoy System) for effective defense against missile attacks.
The commencement of construction for the second MRCV underscores the steady progress in this crucial naval modernization program. These advanced multi-role combat vessels, designed as "motherships" for unmanned systems and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, will significantly enhance the Republic of Singapore Navy's capabilities in maintaining maritime security and responding to a wide range of future challenges. The progressive delivery of these vessels from 2028 onwards will mark a new era for the RSN, solidifying its position as a technologically advanced and adaptable naval force in the region.