RSN’s sixth LMV launched
Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) has launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN's) sixth Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Fortitude, the company announced on 24 March.
Fortitude is part of an eight-vessel LMV build that will replace the RSN’s current fleet of Fearless-class patrol vessels. The new LMVs are 2.5 times larger than the existing vessels with better sea-keeping capabilities.
To date, ST Marine has delivered four vessels to the RSN including LMV Independence, LMV Sovereignty, LMV Unity and LMV Justice. The fifth vessel, LMV Indomitable, was launched in 2017. The build of the seventh and eighth are underway.
Ng Sing Chan, president, ST Marine, said: ‘The launch of the sixth LMV Fortitude today brings us another step closer to the completion of the LMV programme. The milestones to date could not have been achieved without the collaboration of the Defence and Science Technology, RSN and our industry partners and I extend my warmest appreciation to them.
‘We are honoured to be able to contribute to RSN’s robust seaward defence of Singapore, which will be strengthened further when all eight LMVs are delivered in 2020.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
-
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.