The Republic of Singapore’s (RSN) Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Fearless (73) conducted a passage exercise (PASSEX) with Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darulehsan (07) from the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) on 17 Jul 21. Conducted in waters off Brunei, the PASSEX was planned virtually and comprised communication serials, as well as a search and rescue exercise (SAREX) that saw both of our navies working together in a simulated man overboard rescue situation. Tying down the details and method of execution for the PASSEX serials with their counterparts from KDB Darulehsan via virtual means.
Prior to the exercise, RSS Fearless also called into Muara, Brunei on 15 Jul to commemorate the 75th birthday celebrations of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah of Brunei Darussalam. Communication serials such as MANEX and PUBEX allow both ships’ crew to enhance mutual understanding and prepare for more complex serials out at sea. The RSN enjoys excellent relations with the RBN and conducts regular exercises and PASSEXes together. Despite not being able to interact face-to-face due to COVID-19, we are glad that we can continue strengthening our close friendship and mutual understanding out at sea together.
RSS Fearless (73) is the ninth ship of the Independence-class of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The Independence-class littoral mission vessel (LMV) is a class of eight surface platforms that are slated to replace the Fearless-class patrol vessel of the Republic of Singapore Navy. The Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) was jointly designed by Saab Kockums AB and ST Marine with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) as the overall manager and systems integrator and was derived from Saab Kockum’s FLEXpatrol multi-mission patrol vessel. The design of the LMV was guided by two specific requirements.
KDB Darulehsan (07) is the second ship of the Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessels. The vessel is in active service in the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN). The second batch of two ships were delivered by 2014. KDB Darulehsan was built by Lürssen Werft company in Germany around the late 2000s. She is part of the first batch delivered from Germany to Brunei. Darulehsan and KDB Darussalam commissioned together on 4 May 2011 at Muara Naval Base. All four of her sister ships work in the offshore patrol vessel role. The Darussalam-class offshore patrol vessel are the largest and most capable ships of the Royal Brunei Navy, and often participate in international naval exercises.