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Singapore Signs Contract with ST Engineering for Detailed Design and Construction of Multi-Role Combat Vessels

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Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) for the detailed design and construction of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) to replace the existing Victory-class Missile Corvettes (MCVs) in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The six MRCVs will be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards, the Ministry announced today (March 27).

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 peace to war, the MINDEF statement said.

The MCVs have been serving with distinction since 1989 and will remain in operational service until the MRCVs are delivered and operationalised.  The Ministry has said that the new ships will incorporate automation and high technology, and minimal requirement for manpower.

It was earlier reported thatSingapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Sweden’s Saab have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the sidelines of the Singapore Defence Technology Summit on March 22.

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, according to a March 24 joint statement.

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. –adj/mhi/mgm (Pix: MINDEF)