On October 21, 2025, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence and ST Engineering held the launching ceremony of the RSS Victory frigate at the Benoi shipyard. The vessel is the first unit of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s new Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) class, notable for its design optimized for deploying various types of unmanned vehicles and operating as “mothership” or “drone carrier” platforms. The event was presided over by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, who emphasized the importance of these new platforms in ensuring the security of Singapore’s maritime lines of communication amid an increasingly complex strategic environment.
The Victory, hull number “88”, is the first of six MRCV frigates that will replace the veteran Victory-class missile corvettes, in service since 1989. Designed as large, highly automated warships, the MRCVs will act as motherships for the deployment and operation of a significant number of unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems. They will also integrate advanced sensors, state-of-the-art weapon systems, and robust command-and-control capabilities for joint operations.
The MRCV program was announced in 2022 as part of Singapore’s naval modernization plan and was entrusted to ST Engineering for the construction of six frigates, each with a full-load displacement of 8,300 tons and a length of nearly 145 meters.
Another remarkable feature that reflects the significant investment in new technologies is the integration of an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) system, combined with traditional diesel propulsion, enabling the frigate to reach a top speed of 22 knots.
Although the Ministry of Defence has highlighted the ships’ drone deployment capabilities, the new frigates will retain a full suite of combat systems. Their weapons fit includes systems designed to counter air and surface threats, such as the long-range MBDA Aster B1 NT and short/medium-range VL MICA NG missiles, complemented by IAI Blue Spear anti-ship missiles, 76mm Leonardo Strales guns, and RAFAEL Typhoon Mk 30-C remote weapon stations.
The program brings together a large number of local and international companies, including Saab Kockums, which is responsible for manufacturing the composite superstructures of the frigates — including the integrated mast that will house the main radars and sensors. This international collaboration, combined with the use of digital twins and 3D modeling, accelerated the construction process, allowing the RSS Victory to be launched just 12 months after its keel was laid.
The MRCVs are set to become the cornerstone of Singapore’s fleet starting in 2028, when deliveries to the Navy will begin progressively. Their ability to operate drone swarms and extend surveillance and combat reach will significantly enhance Singapore’s naval projection in critical areas such as the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, where strategic competition and Chinese naval presence continue to grow.
Photos and graphics: Republic of Singapore Navy.
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