Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen inspecting the Guard of Honour during commissioning. Credit: Government of Singapore.

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has commissioned two of its newest Independence-class littoral mission vessels (LMVs), RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity.

Singapore Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen noted that the two new vessels are future-ready during the commissioning ceremony, which was conducted at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.

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Hen added: “The LMVs represent a quantum jump compared to its predecessor, the Fearless-class patrol vessels.

“Whether it is speed, endurance, anti-air or command, control, communications and computers (C4) capabilities, the LMVs outperform by leaps and bounds the patrol vessels that were built in the 1990s.”

“With today’s commissioning, RSS Sovereignty and RSS Unity will join RSS Independence to expand the range and effectiveness in missions.”

"Whether it is speed, endurance, anti-air or command, control, communications and computers (C4) capabilities, the LMVs outperform by leaps and bounds the patrol vessels that were built in the 1990s."

The vessels will join the rest of the RSN fleet that is currently deployed to safeguard Singapore’s waters, protect its sea lines of communication and promote regional peace and security, while boosting the navy’s continued efforts to strengthen its capabilities.

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The ships have been constructed to address a wide range of mission requirements and support the Singapore Navy’s role in keeping Singapore’s sea lines of communication secure and accessible, which will help ensure the country’s economic growth and prosperity.

RSN’s eight Independence-variant LMVs are being jointly developed by the navy itself and the Defence Science and Technology Agency.

The network-centric vessels are equipped with smart technologies and capabilities that are designed to allow the navy to operate more efficiently and effectively.

The ships feature advanced radars and sensors, in addition to a 360° out-of-window view and enhanced sense-making systems to improve situational awareness and accelerate decision-making.

In addition, the LMVs have an array of lethal and non-lethal options, enabling the navy to deliver calibrated responses to deter and defend against various threats.

SS Sovereignty and RSS Unity are the second and third ships of the fleet to be commissioned respectively.

The first LMV was commissioned on 5 May, while the remaining five vessels of the class are expected to be operational by 2020.