Republic of Singapore Navy Turns 40 and Commissions its First Frigate RSS Formidable

Singapore Ministry of Defence, The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) turns 40 today. In conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebration, the RSN commissioned its first Formidable-Class Stealth Frigate, RSS Formidable, at Changi Naval Base (CNB). Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, officiated at the commissioning ceremony of RSS Formidable. 
 
From its humble beginnings 40 years ago, the RSN has grown to become a balanced Navy with multi-dimensional capabilities: one that is able to meet the demands posed by the widening spectrum of operations, particularly in the areas of Maritime Security and Operations Other Than War. Through the years, the RSN mission has remained unchanged – to ensure the seaward defence of Singapore and to safeguard its sea lines of communication. 
 
The commissioning of RSS Formidable marked a major milestone in the RSN's transformation. The frigates will form the vanguard of the Navy’s capabilities and will be a key node in the Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control (IKC2) network of the Third Generation SAF. Through advanced combat systems and weaponry, the frigates will increase the RSN's and the SAF's battlespace awareness and enhance the Navy's anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.  
 

The RSN also launched its 40th Anniversary commemorative book entitled “Onwards and Upwards — Celebrating 40 years of the Navy” which was signed by the Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral Ronnie Tay as well as all past Navy Chiefs, including the Minister for Defence, who were present at the ceremony. The book highlights the growth and achievements of the RSN over the last 40 years from its humble beginnings to where it is today. It also touches on the planned future developments of the Navy, and the aspirations of its people.  

Factsheet: Frigate 
 
In March 2000, MINDEF signed a contract with Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN) of France for the construction of six frigates for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under the technology transfer arrangement, DCN contracted to design and build the first ship while the remaining five would be built locally by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine. The six new frigates will replace the long-serving RSN's Missile Gunboats, which have been in service for more than 25 years.  
 
Formidable-Class Stealth Frigate 
 
RSS Formidable, the first of the Formidable-Class frigates, was launched in France on 7 January 2004. She sailed from France and arrived in Singapore on 8 July 2005 and continued with its operationalisation process, which included system integration, trials and work-up training. After undergoing sea trials and operational training, RSS Formidable is now being formally commissioned for operational service in the RSN, marking a major milestone in the frigate programme. 
 
The remaining five frigates were launched in Singapore. The second, RSS Intrepid was launched in 2004 while the third, fourth and fifth ships, Steadfast, Tenacious and Stalwart were launched in 2005. The final ship RSS Supreme was launched in 2006. 
 
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.  
 
1. Ship's Capabilities 
 
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. By leveraging on a high level of automation and enhanced work processes, each frigate will only require a crew of 71. 
 
The frigates will be equipped with state-of-the-art combat capabilities allowing them to perform a wide spectrum of missions and to deal with various threats in all dimensions of naval warfare – surface, air and underwater. These systems include the Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR), the MBDA Aster SAM System, the EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) system, the Eurotorp A244S torpedo and the Boeing Harpoon missile system. Command and control of the various sensor and weapon systems onboard each frigate is achieved via an indigenously developed Combat Management System (CMS).  
 
2. Platform Design and Systems Configuration: 
 
Technical Specifications & Dimensions: 
Length: 114 metres 
Beam: 16 metres 
Displacement: 3,200 tonnes 
Speed: In excess of 25 knots 
Range/Endurance: > 3,500 nautical miles 
Propulsion System: 4 x MTU 20V 8000 M90, 8200 kW (CODAD Configuration) 
Electrical System: 4 x IFM V1708 with AvK alternator, 800Kw 
Helicopter/Ship-Heli Interface: Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopter + Air detachment 
Complement: 70-plus crew 
 
Combat Systems Configuration 
Multi-Function Radar Thales Herakles Multi-function Radar (MFR) 
Navigation Radar Terma Electronic Navigation Radar 
Surface-to-Surface Missile Harpoon Surface to Surface Missile System 
Surface-to-Air Missile MDBA Aster Missile System 
Naval Gun OTO Melara 76mm Gun 
Sonar EDO Active Low Frequency Towed Sonar (ALOFTS) 
Torpedo Whitehead A244S System 
Communications Integrated Communications System 
Gun Fire Control System EADS Gunfire Control System 
Command and Control Combat Management System (CMS)