Singapore navy launches 1st Littoral Mission Vessel

SINGAPORE, July 3 -- Singapore's Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen on Friday officially launched "Independence", the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), which marked a significant milestone for the LMV program.

Ng said the LMV is not just another new ship, instead it will lead the way in how Singaporeans use technology to overcome operational demands. That is the ethos of the country as Singapore celebrate its Golden Jubilee this year.

The Ministry of Defense decided to build eight "uniquely Singapore" LMVs and signed a contract with Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd for the construction in 2013. The eight new LMVs will replace the RSN's Fearless-class patrol vessels (PVs), which have been in service for 20 years.

According to introduction of Lieutenant Colonel Chew Chun-Chau, Head of Littoral Mission Vessel Project Office RSN, the new LMVs will be "smarter, faster, sharper" compared with the previous ships.

Col. Chew said they want to design a ship that's smarter and can operate efficiently with a smaller crew size as the RSN have been increasingly tasked to do many new operations with tight personnel. Thus, Customizing a ship which can meet their demands rather than buying a one seems a better choice.

The new LMVs are designed and equipped with advanced combat capabilities and technologies to further strengthen RSN's ability in the seaward defense of Singapore and protecting sea lines of communication.

One of the key features of LMVs is the Integrated Command Center where the ships Bridge, Combat Information Center and machinery Control Room are co-located, said Chew.

The center integrates and synergizes the management of navigation, engineering, and combat functions to achieve greater operational effectiveness and efficiency, especially during maritime security operations.

The LMVs also have greater endurance and are able to stay at sea for up to 14 days (3,500 nautical miles). The LMVs ability to respond rapidly to maritime security incidents is further enhanced with its faster speed in excess of 27 knots and the ability to support a medium-lift helicopter.

In addition, the LMVs are versatile and can be quickly configured to take on a wide spectrum of operations, such as conducting maritime security operations, supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and search-and-rescue operations.

Following the launching, installation of combat systems on board "Independence" will commence before it undergoes sea trials. Independence is expected to be delivered to the RSN in 2016 and will be fully operational by 2017. All eight LMVs are expected to be fully operational by 2020.