Saab has secured a contract with the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) to supply six composite superstructures for the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) upcoming Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs). This agreement encompasses the detailed design, production, and final assembly of the composite superstructures, which are critical components of the MRCVs. The use of composite materials significantly reduces the weight of the superstructures, thereby lowering the vessel’s center of gravity and enhancing its overall stability. Saab, having previously contributed to the basic design of the MRCVs, will continue to collaborate closely with DSTA, the RSN, industry partners, and the shipbuilder to ensure the timely delivery of these advanced vessels, with the first units expected to join the RSN fleet beginning in 2028.
The Multi-Role Combat Vessels, developed by ST Engineering, are engineered to handle multiple missions concurrently, thanks to configurable payloads that can adapt to various combat and support scenarios. These vessels feature a length of approximately 130 meters, a molded breadth of 19.0 meters, and a molded draught of 5.20 meters. With a displacement of around 5,000 tons, they are designed to reach speeds of up to 25 knots and can cover a range of 6,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots. The MRCVs have an endurance of up to 30 days and can accommodate a crew of 110 personnel. They are also equipped to operate in Sea State 6 conditions and feature facilities for two RHIBs/USVs with Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) as well as a helicopter deck capable of supporting a 15-ton helicopter.
In March 2023, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced that ST Engineering had been awarded the contract to design and build six MRCVs. This announcement followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DSTA and Saab to co-develop and design the MRCVs. The new vessel concept is expected to be highly digital, incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to enhance its operational capabilities, according to a joint statement by DSTA and Saab. The RSN has since revealed that Thales and Leonardo will supply the combat systems for the MRCVs, although specific details about these systems have not yet been disclosed. Additionally, Saab and Danish shipbuilder Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) have been appointed as joint developers for the MRCV’s basic design.
A significant milestone in the MRCV project was reached on 8 March when Singapore’s ST Engineering Marine hosted a steel-cutting ceremony for the country’s first Multi-Role Combat Vessel. The ceremony was attended by RSN Chief Rear Admiral Sean Wat, alongside representatives from DSTA. The RSN has stated that the new MRCVs will serve as mother ships, capable of controlling unmanned assets across air, surface, and underwater domains, and are expected to enter service beginning in 2028. MINDEF has indicated that no further details about the vessels will be released at this time. The contract for six MRCVs, slated to replace the RSN’s aging Victory-class missile corvettes in service since 1989.
