Singapore to Acquire Four German-Designed Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
The new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) would be replacing the current Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRVs) in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security and Response Flotilla. The Sentinel class is composed of MSRV Sentinel, MSRV Guardian, MSRV Protector and MSRV Bastion.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced that it has signed a contract with German shipbuilder, Fr. Fassmer GmBH & Co. KG (Fassmer) for the construction and delivery of four new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).
The new German-designed OPV would be replacing the current Sentinel-class Maritime Security Response Vessels (MSRVs) in service with the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security and Response Flotilla.
The Sentinel-class is composed of MSRV Sentinel, MSRV Guardian, MSRV Protector and MSRV Bastion.
The 55 meter-long vessels retain the Fearless-class’ main armament of a single OTO Melara 76mm naval gun.
As part of their refurbishment, the Sentinel class received a Typhoon 25mm naval gun system at the stern and 7.62mm machine gun positions near the bridge wings.
The Sentinel class are equipped with long-range acoustic device (LRAD) and laser dazzler systems for non-lethal options.
According to Singapore MINDEF, the ships would be based on the proven OPV design already in operation with the German Bundespolizei (Federal Police),
German Bundespolizei operates the Fassmer 86m offshore patrol vessels, known as the Potsdam-class, which are expected to be the basis of the new Singaporean OPVs.
These are steel-hulled, steel superstructure ships powered by 2 marine diesel engines and displaces at around 2,000 tonnes.
It has a helicopter deck for 12T helicopters and space for five 20-foot mission containers and could be armed depending on the RSN’s requirements.
The ships will be designed with high manoeuvrability to operate in the busy waterways around Singapore.
They will also have sufficient capabilities to deal with a wide range of maritime threats and emergencies in support of Singapore’s national security and law enforcement needs.
The new OPVs are scheduled for progressive delivery starting 2028, with the existing Sentinel-class MSRVs retiring in step with the operationalization of the new ships. — DSA
DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA APPS
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