Saab has signed a contract with the state-run Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) to supply six composite superstructures for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) programme, the company announced on 22 August.
According to Saab, the contract includes the detailed design, production, and final assembly, of the composite superstructures for the MRCVs. Singapore earlier announced that it will acquire six of the new vessels.
“The low weight of the composite superstructure reduces the centre of gravity, thereby enhancing the stability of the MRCV,” said Saab in a statement.
“Having been responsible for the basic design of the MRCVs, Saab would continue to work in close collaboration with DSTA, RSN, partners, and the shipbuilder to deliver the MRCVs to the RSN beginning from 2028,” the company added. Saab earlier supplied composite superstructures for the service’s eight Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs).
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) earlier announced that the MRCVs will function as mother ships that would host a range of unmanned air, surface, and subsurface vehicles. The MRCVs will be delivered progressively to the RSN from 2028 onwards by ST Engineering Marine, which is responsible for the detailed design and build of the six vessels.
Neither the contract value nor detailed specifications of the new vessels have been disclosed to date.
The MRCVs will also feature an integrated full electric propulsion (IFEP) system supplied by GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business, making the class the first to feature such a propulsion arrangement. According to GE Vernova, the six MRCVs will be the first IFEP-powered vessels for the RSN and will replace its fleet of conventional mechanical drive Victory-class missile corvettes, which have been in service since 1989.
Saab earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-develop and design the new vessels, by “harnessing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to realise the MRCV’s concept as a highly digital ship”.
According to DSTA, the MoU will also enable its scholars and engineers to embed with Saab via work attachment and internships. The move is aimed at enhancing the country’s technical capabilities particularly in the areas of ship composite structure repair and radar overhaul.
The MRCVs will also be designed to undertake a wide spectrum of missions from “peace to war”, although MINDEF has yet to provide specific details. However, the ability of the MRCVs to embark unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) provide some possible hints of potential roles. For example, the RSN has already fielded 16 m-class USVs that have been optimised for mine countermeasures (MCM) and maritime security (MARSEC) missions.
by Jr Ng
