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Subject:
Defense Talk: Singapore Launches Its Fifth Frigate
tjkhan
12/10/2005 2:53:50 PM
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| RSN Launches Its Fifth Frigate
Singapore Ministry of Defence
Fri, 9 Dec 2005, 11:20
The Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fifth frigate, RSS Stalwart, was launched on 9 Dec 2005 by Mrs Wong Kan Seng, wife of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Mr Wong Kan Seng, at the Singapore Technologies Marine shipyard. DPM Wong officiated at the launching ceremony.
The launch of RSS Stalwart marks another milestone for the frigate programme. In the next phase, RSS Stalwart, the fourth frigate to be built locally, will undergo harbour and sea trials.
The RSN?s stealth frigates are equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems. They have enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. A key node in the network warfare concept for the third generation (3G) SAF, the frigates will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and more effectively carry out its missions of defending Singapore and its vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs). The ships? sophisticated sensor and weapon systems are concurrently undergoing shore-based integration testing while the ships are being built.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean and other senior MINDEF and SAF officials were also present at the launch.
Background Information and Notes:
In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of six frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). DCN had designed and built the French Navy?s low signature La Fayette-class frigates. Under the technology transfer arrangement, DCN designed and built the first ship while the other five are built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine. These Formidable-class frigates will replace the RSN?s Missile Gunboats, which would have been in service for more than 25 years.
The new frigates are highly capable warships. They are equipped with advanced combat systems and also have stealth features incorporated into their design. They also have longer endurance, being able to stay at sea for longer periods. Each frigate is designed to carry a medium-class helicopter which can complement the ship in Anti-surface and Anti-submarine warfare. By leveraging on a high level of automation and enhanced work processes, each frigate requires a crew of only 71.
The frigates will be equipped with advanced state-of-the-art combat capabilities allowing them to perform a wide spectrum of missions and to deal with various threats in all dimensions of naval warfare ? surface, air and underwater. These systems include the Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR), the MBDA Aster SAM System, the EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) system, the Eurotorp A244S torpedo and the Boeing Harpoon missile system.
The Shore Based Integration Centre (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate that they could exchange messages correctly over the local area network, similar to the one onboard the ship.
The platform characteristics and the combat systems configuration of the RSN?s Formidable-class frigates are detailed in the appendix to this fact sheet.
Programme Status
The frigate programme is progressing smoothly. All six frigates are in various stages of construction. Four have already been launched and are now in the final phases of construction. The lead ship of the Formidable-class stealth frigates arrived in Singapore on 8 Jul 2005 from France. RSS Formidable is currently undergoing Combat Systems checkout, integration and testing. She is expected to be fully operational in 2007.
In tandem with the frigates? construction, the combat system integration effort has also gradually intensified over the course of this year. The Shore Based Integration Centre (SBIC) has been set up in Changi Naval Base to allow the combat system suppliers, using the actual equipment and software, to test and demonstrate the exchange of information over the local area network, which closely replicates the one on the ship. The laboratory environment of the SBIC allows the integration team to run the required sequence of tests and to initiate trouble shooting and rectification measures before testing on board the ship commences. The frigates? systems are also being put through various operational scenarios for extensive testing employing simulators. The shore-based integration testing approach will shorten the time taken for integration and help bring forward the delivery of the frigates by almost a year.
The frigate programme represents the continuous effort of the RSN to improve its capabilities and enhance the operational effectiveness of the SAF.
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