The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has made a strategic decision to enhance its naval capabilities by opting for Israel Aerospace Industries’ (IAI) Blue Spear surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) for its Formidable-class frigate (derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette-class) fleet. This move involves replacing the existing American Harpoon missiles across its six-strong fleet of frigates. Derived from the Gabriel family of sea-skimming anti-ship missiles, the Blue Spear SSM showcases advanced features and capabilities. With a range of approximately 290 km and beyond line-of-sight strike capabilities against both maritime and terrestrial targets, it stands as a fifth-generation missile. Its design incorporates a radar seeker, robust guidance systems, and a hardened casing that bolsters survivability against close-in weapon systems, ensuring operational effectiveness.
The joint venture between IAI and ST Engineering, known as Proteus Advanced Systems, markets the Blue Spear missile as a versatile system adaptable to both land-based and naval configurations. Its capabilities extend to deep land attack scenarios, offering enhanced maneuverability tailored for littoral environments. With an active radar-homing seeker, precise navigation systems, and resistance to GPS disruptions, the missile boasts maximal accuracy in target acquisition while employing various deceptive measures to navigate through diverse battlefield challenges. ST Engineering’s integral role in the Blue Spear’s development encompasses the design, development, and production of key subsystems, such as the booster motor and warhead, further solidifying the collaboration between these entities.
In 2021, IAI and Thales jointly marketed a variant of the Blue Spear called Sea Serpent to the Royal Navy to replace its ageing Harpoon missile system. At Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2021, IAI revealed that Sea Serpent was developed in parallel with Blue Spear and based on the Gabriel V missile system and/or older variants. IAI also revealed that Sea Serpent has a low profile mode or sea skimming range of greater than 290 km. This range corresponds with the overall Gabriel V’s range of 200 km to 400 km, depending on flight profile. In October 2021, it was announced that the Estonian Defence Forces purchased the Blue Spear missile system with a maximum range of 290 km (flight profile not mentioned). The cost of each missile is about $5 million.
The Formidable-class frigates are undergoing significant enhancements to their capabilities. Radar cross-section (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into their design, including inclined hull sides, low-RCS curtains concealing ship equipment, and a smaller superstructure utilizing enclosed sensor mast technology. These modifications contribute to a reduced profile compared to their predecessors, enhancing stealth and operational efficiency. The frigates, constructed entirely of steel unlike the La Fayette class, promise improved sea-keeping qualities, enabling extended operational durations at sea. Alongside the Blue Spear missiles, the frigates remain equipped with Oto Melara 76 mm guns for surface defense and boast the capability of long-range submarine detection through the EDO Corporation’s active low-frequency towed sonar, complemented by EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 lightweight torpedoes.
Surface to Surface Missile (SSM). (Photo by IAI)
