The Republic of Singapore Navy commissioned another two littoral mission vessels (LMV) in a ceremony at Changi Naval Base on November 14.
RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity are the second and third vessel in what is to become a fleet of eight LMVs built by ST Marine.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by Singaporean defense minister Ng Eng Hen who noted that the LMVs are future-ready ships built to fulfill the RSN’s role in keeping Singapore’s sea lines of communication secure and accessible.
Sovereignty and Unity are joining the lead ship, RSS Independence, which was commissioned on the 50th anniversary of the country’s navy on May 5, 2017. The first three LMVs are also replacing their namesake Fearless-class patrol vessels which were decommissioned by the Singapore Navy on March 8, 2017 and October 3, 2017 .
The 80-meter vessels displace 1,250 tonnes and are 2.5 times larger than the Fearless-class patrol vessels they are replacing.
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.
All eight vessels are expected to be operational by 2020.