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Republic of Singapore Navy Commissions Littoral Mission Vessels RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity

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Naval Forces News - Singapore
 
 
 
Republic of Singapore Navy Commissions Littoral Mission Vessels RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity
 
Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the commissioning ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base today. The commissioning of RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity marks a significant milestone in the RSN's continued transformation to strengthen its capabilities, as the two LMVs join the rest of the Navy to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Commissions Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Sovereignty RSS Unity 1Commissioning of the second and third Littoral Mission Vessels RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity, held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base.
     
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the need to adapt and prepare for future challenges as the range of threats and spectrum of missions have expanded. He said, "Today, the RSN already contributes to regional and global security efforts… Going forward, the demands on our RSN will increase. Part of this reflects both the rising trade as well as the military build-up of regional navies in our surrounding waters." Dr Ng added that the LMVs are future-ready ships built to respond to these different mission requirements and fulfil the RSN's role in keeping Singapore's sea lines of communication secure and accessible for the nation's economic growth and prosperity. He added, "The LMVs represent a quantum jump compared to its predecessor, the Fearless-class patrol vessels. Whether it is speed, endurance, anti-air or Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) capabilities, the LMVs outperform by leaps and bounds the Patrol Vessels that were built in the 1990s… With today's commissioning, RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity will join RSS Independence to expand the range and effectiveness in missions."

Jointly developed by the RSN and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Independence-class LMVs are equipped with smarter technology and sharper capabilities to enable the RSN to operate more efficiently and effectively. The network-centric ships possess advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved sense-making systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making. The LMVs also have lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against various threats. Their mission modularity further allows the ships to be configured for a wide spectrum of operations.
     
Republic of Singapore Navy Commissions Littoral Mission Vessel RSS Sovereignty RSS Unity 2Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen inspecting the Guard of Honour at the commissioning of the second and third Littoral Mission Vessels RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity, held at RSS Singapura - Changi Naval Base.
     
RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity are the second and third ships out of eight LMVs that will replace the ageing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for more than 20 years. The first-of-class LMV RSS Independence was commissioned on 5 May 2017 and the remaining five LMVs are expected to be operational by 2020.

ST Marine was awarded the contract by MINDEF in 2013 to design and build eight LMVs for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). The fleet of the eight LMVs will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s.
     
Our video coverage of the RSN's LMV class
     
The first, LMV Independence is currently fully operational to safeguard Singapore’s waters. The fourth LMV, Justice had completed her sea trials and is currently in the midst of preparation for handing over and delivery by end October 2017. The Fifth LMV, Indomitable, was launched on 23 September 2017. The rest of the vessels are under construction or in the pre-construction phase and the LMV programme is expected to be completed in 2020.

To learn more about the LMV class, follow this link.