Interim Capability Awaiting New Purpose-Built Vessels
The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Maritime Security and Response Flotilla (MSRF) has received its third and fourth Sentinel (ex-Fearless) class maritime security and response vessels (MSRVs).
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced via Twitter that MSRV Protector Bastion, both of which were re-operationalised on 20 January, have now joined MSRV Sentinel and Guardian to help protect Singapore’s territorial waters as part of the MRSF.
The four ex-Fearless class patrol vessels had been withdrawn from service between 2017-2020, but have been refurbished and re-inducted as interim MSRVs until the flotilla commissions new purpose-built vessels from 2026. In line with other international maritime security agencies, all four MSRVs bear red ‘racing’ stripes on their bow.
These 55m vessels, which now feature enhanced communications equipment, improved visual and audio warning systems, as well as a fender system and modular ballistics protection, will be joined in the flotilla by two tugboats. The MSRVs, which have a beam of 8.6m and a complement of about 30, is armed with an Oto Melara 76mm gun, a Typhoon 25mm gun, and a 7.62mm machinegun. The vessels, which have a top speed of over 20kts, are also equipped with a long-range acoustic device and laser dazzler system.
“The MSRVs are fitted with a bespoke complement of less lethal systems which provide the RSN with more options to deal with a full spectrum of threats posed by our evolving maritime security environment[…] With the addition of Protector and Bastion, the MSRF is now at full strength, ready to undertake various maritime security operations to defend the sovereignty and ensure security of our waters,” said the RSN in a separate statement.
As for the future purpose-built vessels, the MoD noted that, while these platforms are still in the early stages of concept design, they are expected to be larger than the Sentinel class MSRVs and have longer endurance to operate at sea for up to several weeks. Additionally, the new vessels will be designed for lean manning with modular capabilities.
The MRSF, which forms an important part of the RSN’s restructured Maritime Security Command, was set up on 26 January 2021 to deal with the growing scale and complexity of maritime security threats, including sea robbery and intrusions into Singapore territorial waters.
Gabriel Dominguez for MON
