Singapore Upgrades Six Formidable-class Frigates in Mid-Life Overhaul
The Formidable-class frigates of the Singapore Navy are set to undergo a progressive upgrade, with the first vessel expected to complete the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) in its entirety by 2028, followed by the remaining five ships.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — ST Engineering Marine Ltd announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Republic’s Ministry of Defense to undertake the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of six Formidable-class frigates owned by the Singapore Navy.
ST Marine Engineering Ltd is a subsidiary of ST Engineering.
“ST Engineering will execute the design and engineering aspects of the marine and electrical systems of the involved frigates, including the Ship Management System and Power Generation System.”
“The upgrade of the frigates will be carried out progressively, with the first vessel expected to undergo the full upgrade by 2028,” according to the statement.
According to Tan Leong Peng, President of Marine, ST Engineering, the contract from the Ministry of Defense of Singapore is a testament to their naval capabilities, showcasing the company’s ability to extend the operational lifespan of Formidable-class frigates.
He stated that the upgrade work is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the involved frigates, thereby enhancing Singapore’s defense and security.
“We are committed to supporting the Ministry of Defense of Singapore in ensuring its effectiveness in carrying out vital missions,” he said.
The Formidable-class frigates began their commissioning in 2008-2009.
Inspired by the French La Fayette-class frigates, Singapore awarded the contract to DCN (now Naval Group) from France to build six Formidable-class frigates, starting with the lead ship RSS Formidable, constructed in France.
The first vessel, RSS Formidable, was built in France, while the remaining five were built in Singapore under a technology transfer program with ST Marine.
RSS Intrepid, RSS Steadfast, and RSS Tenacious were commissioned in 2008, while the last two, RSS Stalwart and RSS Tenacious, were commissioned in 2009.
The Formidable-class frigates are designed with a “stealth” profile, featuring a low radar cross-section and extremely low acoustic, infrared, and electromagnetic signatures.
With a length of 114 meters and a weight of 3,200 tons, the frigates can accommodate various weapon systems and equipment to safeguard Singapore’s maritime interests.
Equipped with advanced communication and electronic systems, mostly supplied by local companies, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), and Singapore Technologies Electronics, the frigates use the Thales-supplied “Herakles” multi-function radar and the “Terma Scanter 2001” radar for search and navigation.
For weaponry, the modern warships are equipped with Harpoon anti-ship guided missiles with a 227 kg warhead capable of targeting up to 130 km away.
Under the MLU program, there is speculation that Singapore will enhance its ships with the Blue Spear anti-ship guided missiles developed jointly by Singapore’s ST Engineering and Israel’s IAI, marketed by the joint venture, Proteus Advanced System.
Additionally, for air defense, the frigates carry 32 Aster 15 guided missiles capable of defending the ship from guided missile attacks up to 15 km away, while for other air threats such as aircraft or drones, its effective range is up to 30 km.
For naval artillery, the Formidable-class frigates are armed with a 76mm gun capable of firing at targets up to 16 km away. Each frigate is also equipped with a Sikorsky S-70 helicopter. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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