Singapore’s Formidable-class frigates contracted for upgrade
All six Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigates will be upgraded. (Photo: USN)
With the oldest Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigate now 15 years old, the entire fleet will be upgraded by ST Engineering.
ST Engineering Marine will upgrade Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigates under a contract signed with Singapore’s MoD.
The company will undertake the design and engineering of the frigate’s marine and electrical systems’ upgrades, including the ship management system and power generation system.
The frigates will be upgraded progressively, with the first frigate expected to complete its upgrades from 2028.
A key upgrade will be to the combat management system to harness the latest developments in advanced technologies such as in artificial intelligence. Together, with improved sensors, this will enable the frigates to better detect and react faster to potential threats.
Upgrades will be made to the frigates’ weapons and communication systems to retain the capability and flexibility to meet evolving operational demands.
The current Harpoon Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) will be replaced with the Blue Spear SSM while the ships' communication systems will be refreshed to increase the networking capacity of the frigates with the rest of the armed forces.
The fleet management system will be incorporated into the upgraded frigates. Information collected on the ships’ platform and combat systems health status will be collated and used for pre-emptive engineering actions, to enhance the frigates’ operational readiness.
Plans for the upgrade were first announced in March 2022.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
