Singapore to introduce new patrol vessels, temporarily retain 4 Fearless-class ships

An indicative design of the proposed new patrol vessel. Photo c/o Defense Min. Ng Eng Hen's Twitter account.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) plans to introduce a new purpose-built patrol vessel to deal with increasing maritime and security threats in the Singapore Strait and coastal waters as part of the SAF’s restructuring of its Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF).

The ships are planned to be delivered to the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in around 5 years, and would be using a new design. Photos emerging from the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) shows a design that is smaller than the existing Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels (LMV).

Not much details were provided although it appears to be armed with an Oto Melara 76mm naval gun, a 3D search radar, and will be capable of deploying rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB).

While the plan is still being realized, the RSN will retain four (4) of their Fearless-class patrol vessels as an interim measure to cover gaps that will eventually be covered by the new ships. 

The RSN’s Fearless-class patrol vessels are already in their final phase of service, as most of the ships of the class were already retired after being replaced by the new Independence-class LMVs.

Aside from the new ships, the SAF also plans to enhance its counter-terrorism intelligence capabilities and improve cyber detection capabilities. The SAF will restructure their intelligence units and acquire new systems to better detect, forewarn and respond to terrorists plots, while working closer with national agencies and foreign to allow sharing of information.

A new Integrated Cyber Command is also being planned to detect and respond against cyber aggressors.


[1] Channel NewsAsia
[2] Straits Times