Article Posted on : - Jul 06, 2015

The Republic of Singapore Navy's first Littoral Mission Vessel, Independence, being launched at the Singapore Technologies Marine's Benoi shipyard on July 3. An MoD photo

SINGAPORE (BNS): Singapore has launched the first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), "Independence", for its Navy on July 3.

The vessel was launched during a ceremony at the Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine)'s Benoi shipyard in the presence of Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

"The launch of Independence is a significant milestone in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) continued transformation to keep Singapore's seas safe," the Singapore Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The new LMVs are smarter and faster ships, equipped with sharper capabilities to further strengthen the RSN's ability to ensure the seaward defence of Singapore. They possess lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against a wide range of threats.

The advanced radars and sensors, as well as the bridge with a 360 degree out-of-window view, enable the LMVs to have an all-round visual awareness of its immediate surroundings in congested waters, the statement said.

Independence will be delivered to the RSN in 2016 and is expected to be fully operational by 2017.

Singapore had signed the contract for eight LMVs in January 2013.

The new warships are being built locally by ST Marine and Sweden's Saab Kockums AB. The 1,250-tonne ship has a length of 80 m and a beam of 12 m. It can sail at a top speed of over 27 knot for up to 3500 nautical miles (6482-kms).

A unique feature the warship will have is its Integrated Command Centre comprising the Bridge, Combat Information Centre and Machinery Control Room that will boost operational effectiveness and efficiency, especially during maritime security operations.

The networked-centric ships will also possess numerous sense-making and decision support systems which are supported by a high level of automation, so that they can be manned by a leaner crew. In addition, logistics and engineering support were considered during the design of the ship to enhance the operational readiness of the ship, the MoD said.

All eight LMVs are expected to be fully operational by 2020 and will replace the existing Fearless-class patrol vessels, which have served the RSN for nearly 20 years.