RSN commissions two new LMVs
The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has commissioned two new Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity, at Changi Naval Base, the Singapore Ministry of Defence announced on 14 November.
The LMVs will be used to safeguard Singapore's waters, protect its sea lines of communication and contribute to regional peace and security.
Jointly developed by the RSN and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, the network-centric Independence-class ships are equipped with advanced radars and sensors, as well as a 360 degree out-of-window view and improved systems to enhance situational awareness and accelerate decision-making.
The LMVs have lethal and non-lethal options to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against various threats. Their mission modularity enables the ships to be configured for a wide spectrum of operations.
Sovereignty and Unity are the second and third vessels in the eventual fleet of eight LMVs that will replace the ageing Fearless-class patrol vessels.
The first-of-class RSS Independence was commissioned in May 2017 and the remaining five LMVs are expected to be operational by 2020.
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