Republic of Singapore picture of third future MRCV (Vigilance) carried by Naval News September 3, 2026
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The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has two major new vessel classes currently under construction: the Victory class Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs) and the unnamed class of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).
These vessels, along with Singapore's new, eventually 6 x Invincible-class/Type 218SG submarines, will sharply increase the tonnage and capability of Singapore's Navy.
These vessels, along with Singapore's new, eventually 6 x Invincible-class/Type 218SG submarines, will sharply increase the tonnage and capability of Singapore's Navy.
Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs)
Singapore's ST Engineering Marine is building 6 large 8,400 tonne Victory-class MRCVs to replace the 6 aging 600 tonne, confusingly also called "Victory-class" missile corvettes.
- Current Status: The first MRCV (Victory) was launched in late 2025, the second ship (Valour) was launched on July 23, 2026, and the keel for the third ship (Vigilance) (see artwork above) was laid down on September 3, 2026.
- Delivery: Scheduled for progressive delivery starting in 2028 through 2030.
- Design & Capabilities: Displacing roughly 8,000 to 8,400 tonnes and measuring 150 meters long, these advanced warships function as "motherships" capable of operating unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems. They feature high automation requiring a crew of fewer than 100 sailors.
https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/09/singapore-lays-keel-for-third-multi-role-combat-vessel/
Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)
Singapore is also procuring a class of four new OPVs, possibly based on the German 1,900 tonne Potsdam-class patrol boat, to succeed various smaller vessels including the 500 tonne Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MRSVs).
- Current Status: Designed by German firm Fassmer and built by Western Baltic Shipyard before final outfitting.
- Delivery: Deliveries to the RSN are planned to begin progressively from 2028.
New Landing Craft Prototypes
In August 2026, Singapore awarded a contract to Penguin Shipyard International to build two new landing craft prototypes (with the Fast Craft Utility (FCU) with an 18 tonne load perhaps displacing 45 tonnes fully loaded?) to support ship-to-shore operations and evaluate evolving defense requirements.
Singapore orders new landing craft prototypes for its navy. See photo and details at Asian Military Review, August 26, 2026.
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Article assisted by Google AI, September 8, 2026.
2 comments:
Hi Pete,
A couple of additional points.
In the CNA video of the RSS-Victory launch, you can see two Formidable-class frigates undergoing MLU in the background, and the RSN has already equipped RSS Steadfast with the Blue Spear AShM, likely as a trial as Steadfast took part in RIMPAC.
Steadfast has not undergone MLU, which will see the front 76mm OTO Melera upgraded to the STRALES variant, which has a different turret profile.
https://youtu.be/saWyF0jyci0?is=2fic1dcCTxGOeZ2R
Penguin International is a commercial shipbuilder for workboats and ferries, and I reckon their work for Saab to assemble the composite superstructure of the Victory-class MRCV has enabled them to pitch FECPs to Singapore’s Defence Ministry. (And ST Marine have a very full order book)
Hi Shawn
Thanks for that info. Australia is also re-equipping - but-taking 3 times as long for 10 times the price of Singapore.
eg. the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter-class_frigate - need conceived in 2009 - first in service 2032 - to be a project older than many of the crew. The rough guestimate is A$30 Billion (so far) for 6 ships.
Strategic reason? Almost guaranteeing a Labor win (in South Australia) in the 2028 Federal Election.
When one adds all 11 Improved Mogamis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_FFM for Australia Australia will have 2 or 3 times more ships than it can crew.
Cheers Pete
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