RSN’s sixth LMV launched
Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) has launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN's) sixth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fortitude, the company announced on 24 March.
Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV build that will replace the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels. The new LMVs are 2.5 times larger than the existing vessels with better sea-keeping capabilities.
To date, ST Marine has delivered four vessels to the RSN including LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable, was launched in 2017. The build of the seventh and eighth are underway.
Ng Sing Chan, president, ST Marine, said: ‘The launch of the sixth LMV Fortitude today brings us another step closer to the completion of the LMV programme. The milestones to date could not have been achieved without the collaboration of the Defence and Science Technology, RSN and our industry partners and I extend my warmest appreciation to them.
‘We are honoured to be able to contribute to RSN’s robust seaward defence of Singapore, which will be strengthened further when all eight LMVs are delivered in 2020.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK MoD’s confirmation of MBDA missile for Type 26 points to more European collaboration
The Type 26 will also be fitted with the Sea Ceptor vertically launched air defence system that can fire CAMM missiles and a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system that can fire the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, anti-submarine rockets and long-range anti-ship missiles.
-
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.