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
-
How the US Government plans to put the US Navy’s shipbuilding programmes back on track
In an attempt to reduce delays in shipbuilding efforts, the US government, lawmakers and the Navy are betting big on further investments in the national defence industry and public shipyards. Reviewing and reformulating ongoing initiatives and business practices will also form part of the effort.
-
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries