The Republic of Singapore Navy's third Littoral Mission Vessel, Unity,
was launched at the Singapore Technologies Marine’s Benoi Yard. Photo:
Republic Of Singapore Navy.
TODAY, Published: 3:05 PM, October 13, 2016 Updated: 6:47 PM, October 13, 2016
Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung officiated at the launching ceremony at the Singapore Technologies Marine’s Benoi Yard on Thursday (Oct 13). His wife, Diana, launched the Unity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ong said the LMVs would form an important part of Singapore’s maritime force.
“The LMVs are far more capable and versatile, and will take the RSN into the future,” he said.
“The RSN, with its national maritime security partners, have been working together to keep a 24/7 watch over Singapore’s waters, to ensure the seaward defence of Singapore and protect the sea lines of communication that power our economy.”
Unity is the third of eight LMVs that will be built for the navy, under an agreement between the Defence Ministry and ST Engineering in 2013.
The LMVs are the Navy’s newest ships and will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, which have been in service for around 20 years.
Many innovations, as well as improvements in integration and design, enable the LMVs to deliver significantly enhanced capabilities compared to the Fearless-class patrol vessels.
For instance, the LMVs are designed with an integrated bridge, combat information centre and machinery control room that greatly enhances the crew’s shared awareness, and enables them to sense and react faster to maritime security threats.
The LMVs also require less manpower to operate: The eight LMVs will be able to do the work that previously required 11 current patrol vessels.
The 80m-long vessels were also designed to be operated and maintained with a lean crew of 23, compared to the Fearless-class ships which require 30.
They can also be quickly configured to take on a wide spectrum of operations, using non-lethal or lethal options — from a water cannon system to an Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid main gun to anti-air missiles — to deal with a range of maritime threats.
The first LMV, called Independence, was launched on July 3 last year; while the second LMV, Sovereignty, was launched on April 16 this year. Both vessels are presently undergoing sea trials.
The names of all eight LMVs — Independence, Sovereignty, Unity, Justice, Indomitable, Fortitude, Dauntless and Fearless — were chosen from those suggested by the public.
According to the Navy, the LMV Independence is expected to be fully operational by 2017, and all eight LMVs will be ready by 2020.
Article Source: TODAY
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