--- title: "Singapore Launches Its Biggest And Most Capable Warship Ever" description: "Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the *Victory* is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will…" date: "2025-10-21" modified: "2025-10-21" authors: - name: "Thomas Newdick" job_title: "Staff Writer" link: "https://www.twz.com/authors/thomas-newdick" url: "https://www.twz.com/sea/singapore-launches-its-biggest-and-most-capable-warship-ever" categories: - "Air" - "Around The Globe" - "Drones" - "Frigates" - "Indo-Pacific" - "News & Features" - "Sea" - "South China Sea" - "Unmanned" - "Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs)" - "Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)" --- # Singapore Launches Its Biggest And Most Capable Warship Ever ![Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the Victory is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will replace the existing Victory class missile corvettes (MCV), which entered service in 1989, and will form the cornerstone of its fleet modernization effort.]() *MINDEF* Singapore today launched the first of its drone motherships, or Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV). The largest and most complex ship in the Republic of Singapore Navy, the *Victory* is the first of a planned six of these vessels. These will replace the existing *Victory* class missile corvettes, which entered service in 1989, and they will form the cornerstone of the navy’s [fleet modernization effort](). ![]() *A rendering of the MRCV *Victory*. *RSN** The *Victory* was launched at ST Engineering’s Benoi shipyard in Singapore, where it was formally christened by Mrs. Chan, the wife of the country’s minister for defense, Chan Chun Sing. Unusually, and somewhat confusingly, as well as the same name, the new warship carries the same pennant number, 88, as the lead ship of the *Victory* class MCVs. ![]() *Mrs. Chan formally christened the new ship by breaking a bottle of champagne against the hull. *RSN* Navy Media 1* Now that the vessel is in the water, it will move to the Gul Yard for further outfitting, integration, and sea trials. It will then be formally commissioned. The six MRCVs are planned to be delivered progressively from 2028 onward. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEQFVrUKmYo As a drone mothership, the MRCV is designed to support operations by uncrewed aerial, surface, and underwater systems. At the same time, the MRCV is built according to a modular principle, so it can be more easily adapted in the future to accommodate other missions. ![]() *Mr. and Mrs. Chan, together with senior defense officials, are briefed on the ship’s capabilities during their tour on board *Victory*. *RSN** The vessel was also built remarkably quickly, with just 12 months between keel laying and launch. This was aided by 3D modeling and [digital twinning]() in the design phase. This meant that the MRCV could be [‘tested’ in a virtual environment]() and refined before actual construction began, without the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototypes. Additional design input was also provided by [Denmark and Sweden](), both of which submitted proposals that were fed into the program at an early stage. https://twitter.com/ridzwan\_rahmat/status/1978369261216141518 The MRCV has a fully loaded displacement of around 8,300 tons and is 492 feet long. In comparison, the *Formidable* class frigates displace 3,150 tons and are 376 feet 8 inches long, while the previous *Victory* class missile corvettes, which the MRCVs will replace, displace just 586 tons and are 203 feet 5 inches long. ![180406-N-NK192-1242 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2018) Republic of Singapore Navy Victory-class corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91) sails next to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released)]() *Republic of Singapore Navy *Victory* class corvette RSS *Valiant*. *U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released* Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Colemanberry* Using [integrated full electric propulsion]() (IFEP), which combines diesel engines with electric motors, the MRCV has a top speed in excess of 22 knots. In this IFEP arrangement, the diesel engines generate electricity, which is then used for both propulsion and to power other services and subsystems. Missile armament includes [MBDA Aster B1 NT]() long-range and [VL MICA NG]() short-/medium-range surface-to-air missiles, which provide very significant air defense coverage, including the ability to engage certain ballistic missile targets. For anti-surface warfare, the boats will be armed with [ST Engineering/IAI Blue Spear]() anti-ship missiles. The MRCV is also fitted with a [Leonardo Strales]() 76mm main gun and a pair of [Rafael Typhoon Mk 30-C]() remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS). ![]() *An infographic showing the MRCV. *RSN** Electronics include the Thales [SeaFire]() multifunction active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Safran [PASEO XLR]() electro-optical/infrared system, and Safran [NGDS]() decoy launchers. As launched, the *Victory* notably lacks its mast, this being an integrated item that will be provided by Saab Kockums. Mounting the four AESA antennas for the SeaFire radar and other sensors, the mast will be made from carbon-fiber composite material. The center section of the hull and superstructure includes the mission bay, with space for eight modular containers. This allows the ship to be quickly configured for a wide range of missions within short periods of time. While the Singaporean Ministry of Defense specifically mentions a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) module, various other combat-related configurations would be possible. In terms of drone operations, the flight deck at the rear can accommodate multiple uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) or a single medium-lift helicopter, like the [Super Puma](). Uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and uncrewed underwater vessels (UUVs) are handled by a launch and recovery system that includes a side-mounted crane and a ramp at the stern. The stern ramp can also be used to launch and recover (crewed) rigid-hulled inflatable boats. The exact types of drones to be fielded on the vessels are unclear. Singapore already operates the Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel (MARSEC USV), but is also investing in new systems to supplement or replace these. ***A video shows Singaporean MARSEC USVs during an exercise:*** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNoBpqeIvs Renderings of the MRCV also appear to show it operating Veloce 60 (V60) UAVs, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone manufactured by ST Engineering and already used by the Republic of Singapore Navy for surveillance. Again, additional and more capable UAVs are eventually likely to be fielded aboard the MRCVs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=\_Quus3MaBeg We spoke to Roy Choo, a defense journalist and [*TWZ* contributor](), for his take on the MRCVs: “The MRCVs highlight Singapore’s drive to develop unmanned systems across all domains as a force multiplier. In the maritime domain alone, the RSN has already operationalized its Maritime Security USVs, which began patrolling the city-state’s busy waterways earlier this year. The RSN is also progressing towards developing a new fleet of USVs and AUVs for mine countermeasure operations from 2027. To complement the four [P-8A Poseidon]() aircraft it recently acquired, Singapore may also consider procuring a long-range maritime surveillance UAS. In the longer term, its [S-70B Seahawks]() — the majority of which are now approaching 20 years old — could potentially be partially or fully replaced by VTOL rotary-wing UAS.” Using drones of different types, the MRCV will be able to conduct a wider variety of missions over a larger area than a more traditional warship, something that would otherwise require multiple crewed vessels to achieve. The drones will expand the vessel’s reach both in terms of surveillance and potentially also launch strikes. Even without the force-multiplying effects of the drones, the MRCV is a more capable ship than anything previously operated by the Republic of Singapore Navy. Its operational range of more than 7,000 nautical miles is double that of the service’s *Formidable* class frigates, currently its main surface combatants. The MRCV also has an endurance of more than 21 days before needing to be refueled or resupplied. ![180406-N-NK192-1103 SOUTH CHINA SEA (April 6, 2018) The Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme (FFG 73), the Victory-class corvette RSS Valiant (PGG 91), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) sail in formation with the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released)]() *The Republic of Singapore Navy *Formidable* class frigate RSS *Supreme* leads the *Victory* class corvette RSS *Valiant*, and the *Arleigh Burke* class destroyer USS *Sampson* in the South China Sea. *U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Colemanberry/Released* Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Colemanberry* This performance is enabled by a very small crew, something that is standard for the Republic of Singapore, bearing in mind the country’s small population — at six million, this is smaller than that of the state of Missouri. High levels of automation mean that each MRCV can be operated by fewer than 100 sailors. Whereas the bridge of a typical Republic of Singapore warship might otherwise be operated by five crew members, in the MRCV, this is reduced to two, with one rather than four crew members required to man the engineering control center. ![]() *An official slide from March 2025, presenting Singaporean defense procurement plans. **MINDEF*** The most important mission for the new MRCVs will be to safeguard the country’s sea lines of communication (SLOC). Singapore is almost uniquely reliant on the maritime trade that crisscrosses these major maritime routes. “In the past, the role of the navy was perhaps only to defend our near shores,” Minister for Defense Chan said at today’s launch. “But Singapore’s strategic lines of communications extend much further today, and new capabilities are needed to work together as an integrated Singaporean Armed Force to secure and defend these.” Singapore’s two vital SLOCs comprise one that passes through the heavily disputed South China Sea, and the other through the Strait of Malacca. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its national territory and is meanwhile busily expanding its efforts [to bolster that position](), including the construction of a constellation of [man-made island military outposts]() in the region. ![]() *An annotated satellite image showing China’s man-made military outpost in Gaven Reefs, in the Spratly Islands chain, in the South China Sea. *U.S. Department of Defense** Singapore doesn’t make any claim itself to any portion of the South China Sea, has generally good relations with Beijing, and has repeatedly called for a resolution to the current disputes [through regional]() and [international organizations](). However, it is acutely aware of its economic vulnerability in the face of rising tensions in the South China Sea as China makes [increasingly forceful moves]() to [assert its claims]() in the region. China is preparing for potential contingencies in the South China Sea through the continued expansion of its anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) [capabilities]() in the region, with the construction of man-made islets being one of the most notable expressions of this. Many of these islets already equipped with, or are suitable to accommodate, long-range [surface-to-air missiles](), [shore-based anti-ship defenses](), and even [H-6 bombers]() that would present a significant challenge to any potential opponent in a crisis. https://twitter.com/duandang/status/1293439129120722944?ref\_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1293439129120722944%7Ctwgr%5E3f202016ae6c5b558f8aee2e363ea4d4dbceb9c5%7Ctwcon%5Es1\_c10&ref\_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twz.com%2F35655%2Fchina-deployed-bombers-to-south-china-sea-island-for-the-first-time-according-to-image At the same time, the [People’s Liberation Army Navy]() is in the midst of unprecedented growth and modernization and is introducing increasingly capable [surface ships]() and [submarines](), which are now ranging further afield. Singapore’s MRCVs, with their long endurance extended further by their organic drone capabilities, will be highly relevant in the context. The capabilities of the new vessels will also come into play in littoral areas closer to home, in particular the Malacca Strait, which could easily become a chokepoint in any wider regional crisis. More broadly, six new MRCVs are part of a process of overhauling Singapore’s maritime capabilities. The ongoing upgrade of Singapore’s naval capabilities also includes an upgrade of the *Formidable* class frigates and two additional [Type 218SG]() submarines in addition to the previous four. Earlier this year, Singapore confirmed its selection of the Boeing [P-8A Poseidon]() as its next maritime patrol aircraft, which will also provide [a significant capability boost](). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdVdGx1hVqA Chan also described the future challenges in securing these SLOCs as being more multifaceted, more difficult, and more dangerous, while rapidly evolving threats mean that it’s vital that the MRCVs can be updated accordingly, via their modular design. “No ship will be able to anticipate … the operational needs for the next 30 years,” Chan said. “What we need is a ship that can keep evolving with our operational requirements.” The speed with which Singapore is pursuing its Multi-Role Combat Vessel program underlines the high priority assigned to it. While navies around the world are increasingly looking at harnessing the capabilities offered by drones, Singapore’s drone motherships are very much a signal of intent as it continues to upgrade its navy to better meet potential new threats. *Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com* ## Author Thomas Newdick is a staff writer at *TWZ*, where he covers military aviation, defense technology, weapons systems, and international security. Based in Berlin, Germany, he reports on conflicts, military modernization efforts, and emerging aerospace technologies around the world, with a particular interest in airpower and its role in contemporary warfare. His reporting is informed by deep expertise in modern and historical airpower, particularly in Europe, with a focus on military aviation, air campaigns, and aerospace developments across the continent and beyond. Over a journalism career spanning more than 25 years, Thomas has become known for making complex defense and aerospace topics accessible to a broad audience. His reporting combines technical expertise, historical context, and a focus on the real-world operational and strategic implications of military developments. ### Author social links [Twitter]()