The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s stealth frigate RSS Formidable rendezvoused with German Navy’s Brandenburg-class frigate FGS Bayern for a passage exercise (PASSEX) on 11 Jan 2022. During the PASSEX, the two ships conducted a series of communication and manoeuvring exercise serials within international waters. RSN personnel taking a bearing from FGS Bayern during the maneuvering exercise. Communications Systems Operators interpreting message that was sent via FGS Bayern during a communications drill.
The Republic of Singapore Navy are glad to see German Navy’s Brandenburg-class frigate FGS Bayern one last time before they embark on their long journey back home to Germany. Despite the pandemic, the Republic of Singapore Navy are glad to have the opportunity to conduct regular PASSEXes to foster mutual understanding and strengthen friendships with foreign navies. Both Navy’s ships look forward to more opportunities to conduct training and engagements in the future in order to maintain warm ties with our partners from Germany.
RSS Formidable (68) is the lead ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy. RSS Formidable was built by DCNS company in France around the early 2000s. Formidable was commissioned on 5 May 2007. The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette-class frigate.[6] The six ships form the First Flotilla of the RSN.
Bayern is a Brandenburg-class frigate of the German Navy. Bayern and the three other frigates of the Brandenburg class were designed as replacements for the Hamburg-class destroyers. She was laid down in 1993 at the yards of Nordseewerke, Emden and launched in June 1994. Radar cross section (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into the Formidable class design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks as well as concealment of ship boats and replenishment-at-sea equipment behind low-RCS curtains.
