Frigates to Function as Ops Centre in Integrated Warfighting

Singapore Ministry of Defence, In London's security surveillance system, close-circuit TVs (CCTVs) located all over the city are linked to a central ops centre that manages all the footage that is piped back into the system. 
 
In this way, fewer police officers are required to patrol the streets since the exact location and nature of an incident can be established with a click of the mouse button. 
 
Similarly, the Formidable-class frigates will act as the Republic of Singapore Navy's 'mobile ops centre' out at sea. With a span of influence that stretches up to about 200 miles, it receives information from sister ships and aerial assets deployed within the range. It will then make sense of the pieces of puzzle, establish an accurate picture of the area of operations and send the information back to shore and to its Army and Air Force counterparts. 
 
In the past, Missile Corvettes and Landing Ships Tank were the platforms tasked to house the command team out at sea, but faced with limited connectivity, it was difficult to manage information flow and to establish as many links. 
 
“RSS Formidable's entry into operational service marks another milestone in the Singapore Armed Force's transformation journey,” said Singapore's Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the commissioning ceremony of the first Formidable-class stealth frigate, RSS Formidable, at Changi Naval Base on Navy Day 5 May. 
 
“The frigates will play a key role in the integrated 3rd Generation SAF. The modern sensors and weapons on the frigates will provide surveillance and combat capabilities over a wide area, including a zone of influence in the air that spans hundreds of kilometres.” 
 
The new frigates are highly versatile warships that are equipped with advanced combat systems and possess stealth capabilities. They also have enhanced endurance and are able to be deployed at sea for a prolonged duration. Each frigate is designed to carry a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter capable of complementing the ship in anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare. 
 
RSS Formidable was first launched in France in Jan 2004. She sailed back to Singapore in Jul 2005. The next stage was the operationalisation process, which included system integration, trials and work-up training. After undergoing sea trials and operational training, RSS Formidable is now ready for operational service in the RSN. 
 
“Over the last 18 months or so, everybody had a singular purpose, a singular mission – to operationalise this new capability for the Navy,” said Colonel (COL) Jackson Chia, Commanding Officer of RSS Formidable. 
 
“The main challenge was really trying to balance all the different competing demands of all the combat system trials, the crew training and at the same time, having to ensure that there is good work and family life.” 
 
Looking back, COL Chia felt it was a job well done since different objectives of operationalising the ship, developing the necessary procedures, validating them and working the crew up to the right level of competency, were met. 
 
He added that this was validated during the fleet concentration period in 2006, when they participated in a whole series of exercises with the rest of the fleet as well as the Air Force, executing all the missions successfully. 
 
For ship Coxswain Master Warrant Officer Richard Goh, the commissioning marked a very significant day since he was involved in the frigate project since Day One, right after the contract was signed with Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of the frigates back in 2000. 
 
“Then, it was just a design on the paper and everything. Now, I am back in Singapore and the ship is commissioned!” he said. “We will carry on to maintain our standard and we will be participating in a lot of foreign exercises representing the Navy, representing the country.” 
 
The remaining five frigates were launched in Singapore and to date, four frigates Formidable, Intrepid, Steadfast and Tenacious have been delivered to the RSN. 
 
The remaining two frigates, Stalwart and Supreme, are at various stages of construction and expected to be delivered soon. 
 
All six frigates are expected to be fully operational by 2009 and will replace the long-serving Missile Gunboats, which have been in service for more than 25 years. 
 
RSS Formidable's commissioning was held in conjunction with the RSN’s 40th anniversary celebration. Over the years, the RSN has ensured the seaward defence of Singapore and safeguarded its sea lines of communication. 
 
It has evolved into a balanced force with strong capabilities in surface, underwater and anti-air warfare, and developed the capability to perform an expanded spectrum of operations – working closely with national agencies and international partners. 
 
The RSN has also distinguished itself on the international scene in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, as well as peace support operations in Timor-Leste, Aceh, and as far as the northern Arabian Gulf. 
 
The story of the RSN, and the enduring spirit of its people, is captured in the RSN 40th Anniversary Commemorative Book, entitled 'Onwards and Upwards – Celebrating 40 Years of the Navy', that was launched on Navy Day as well. 
 
It took a team of RSN officers 18 months to complete the book which highlights the growth and achievements of the RSN. It also touches on the planned future developments of the Navy and the aspirations of its people.