The MRCVs are designed to fulfill two functions: to carry out the combat operations typical of a modern frigate and act as a base for autonomous and unmanned vehicles operating on the surface, underwater, and in the air. The class is slated for phased commissioning from 2028 to 2030, and will be among the largest vessels in the RSN when it enters service.[2]
Planning and acquisition
An infographic released by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 30 June 2018 depicted the multi-role combat vessel (MRCV).[3] The next year, it was mentioned by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on 1 March 2019 during the Committee of Supply debate in Parliament on future Singapore Armed Forces procurements.[4][5] MINDEF also highlighted the MRCV as part of its procurement plans for the RSN in a document "Building the Next Generation Singapore Armed Forces", alongside the Invincible-class submarine and joint multi-mission ship.[6]
In November 2019, Chief of Navy Lew Chuen Hong said that the RSN was establishing "detailed procedures" for the planning and design phases of the MRCV.[7] The contract for the procurement for six MRCVs was signed with ST Engineering Marine Ltd on 27 March 2023.[8][9] The RSN reaffirmed its intention to acquire a new class of vessels to replace the aging Victory-class missile corvettes, which were first commissioned in 1989, on 27 April 2023.[10]
Design and construction
Swedish firm Saab Kockums and Danish firm Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) were originally two of the competitors for the MRCV program, with the Swedish basing its design on the Visby-class corvette and the Danish on the Absalon-class and Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates, but they subsequently merged their designs to form a single proposal, using Saab Kockums' combat and propulsion systems together with OMT's hull design.[11] The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) signed a contract with Saab Kockums for the latter to provide six composite superstructures for the MRCV on 22 August 2024.[12] Saab Kockums will develop detailed designs and handle the production and assembly of the composite superstructure in partnership with OMT.[13] The composite superstructure is claimed to improve the ship's stability by lowering the center of gravity.[1]
ST Engineering created a virtual model of the MRCV to test the design, which eliminated the need to build a physical prototype, allowing for reworks to be done more efficiently. The DSO National Laboratories (DSO) is also involved in the project.[2][14]
The first-of-class, Victory, was launched at ST Engineering's Benoi Yard on 21 October 2025 by the spouse of Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, in a ceremony officiated by the minister. Gul Yard will then take over Victory's fitting out and sea trials.[2]
Capabilities
MINDEF has stated that the MRCV will perform two main functions: to carry out the combat operations typical of a modern frigate and act as the "mothership" for an array of unmanned forces, with the ability to deploy unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned surface vessels, and autonomous underwater vehicles.[2] In 2019, the RSN said that the MRCV was planned to embark the Venus 16 USV.[15]
Its mission bay contains room for eight mission modules, enabling the MRCV's weapon complement and embarked assets to be customized and upgraded according to operational needs, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions. There will be two launch and recovery systems (LARS) for small craft, one on the port side and the other at the stern. It also has a built-in simulator, reducing the reliance on shore-based facilities for training. Its powerplant is reported to be capable of generating 30MW of electricity.[14]
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Republic of Singapore Navy 
