Singapore Navy's Third Multi-Role Combat Vessel Keel Laid
ST Engineering has laid the keel for the third Multi-Role Combat Vessel for the Republic of Singapore Navy. The 8,000-tonne ships will replace older corvettes from 2028 and are designed to operate as motherships for unmanned systems.
ST Engineering held a keel-laying ceremony for the Republic of Singapore Navy's third Multi-Role Combat Vessel on September 3, 2026. The event at ST Engineering Marine was attended by Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence, Joseph Leong, and Navy Chief Rear Admiral Sean Wat.
This milestone follows the launch of the second vessel, named Valour, on July 23. The first ship in the class will be called Victory. The navy plans to receive the new vessels progressively from 2028, when they will begin replacing the six Victory-class missile corvettes commissioned from 1989. The new MRCVs will retain the names of the corvettes they succeed.
Design and Specifications
The MRCV represents a significant scale-up from the vessels it is set to replace. According to specifications published by Singapore, the new ship is a large, multi-role platform designed to function as both a combatant and a mothership for unmanned systems.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 150 metres |
| Beam | 21 metres |
| Displacement | 8,000 tonnes |
| Speed | Above 22 knots |
| Range | Exceeding 7,000 nautical miles |
| Endurance | More than 21 days |
| Baseline Crew | Fewer than 100 personnel |
Singapore attributes the reduced crew complement to extensive platform automation. The bridge is designed to be operated by just two sailors, with a single sailor manning the engineering control centre.
Systems and Propulsion
The vessel will feature an integrated full-electric propulsion system. Its electrical distribution architecture has been designed with spare capacity to power future equipment requiring more energy. The superstructure uses composite materials, a choice intended to reduce topweight and preserve margins for later additions.
A key feature is a mission bay capable of accommodating eight containerised modules. Singapore has identified potential uses for these modules, including deploying unmanned systems, carrying logistics supplies, and supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions. Standard containers could also be used to embark additional medical facilities.
Armament and Role
For its combat systems, the Republic of Singapore Navy has disclosed a suite of sensors and weapons. The fit includes a Thales multifunction radar and fire-control radar, a Safran electro-optical system, and hull-mounted sonar.
Weapons listed are a Leonardo STRALES 76 mm gun, 30 mm remotely controlled weapon systems, and MICA and Aster surface-to-air missiles. The navy has stated that the specific surface-to-surface missile fit will be confirmed at a later date.
Beyond its combat functions, the MRCV is intended to serve as a command ship for Singapore Armed Forces missions. Its combat management system is being developed domestically by the Defence Science and Technology Agency. The overall programme involves DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, ST Engineering, and unnamed international partners.
ST Engineering Marine noted that the MRCV programme has recorded two million man-hours without a lost-time injury. No further details concerning the third ship's name, launch date, or planned delivery date were released during the ceremony.
