On July 23, 2026, the Ministry of Defence announced the launch of the second MRCV for the Republic of Singapore Navy at ST Engineering’s Benoi Shipyard, marking another milestone in the service’s next-generation surface combatant program.
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam officiated the ceremony for the Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel Valour. His spouse served as Lady Sponsor. The event drew senior leadership from across Singapore’s defence establishment, including Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, Chief Defence Scientist Tan Peng Yam, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the Defence Science and Technology Agency.
In remarks at the ceremony, Mr Shanmugam said a capable navy is essential to protect Singapore’s sea lines and sovereignty. He noted that keeping maritime approaches secure and open is a fundamental priority and described the MRCV as an important addition to meet evolving security challenges with adaptable platforms.
Second MRCV enhances RSN’s unmanned and command capabilities
Valour is the second of six MRCVs planned. The class is designed to serve as a mothership for unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems, and is equipped with advanced sensors, weapons, and networking to address a wide spectrum of threats. The ships are intended to operate as command vessels and feature high levels of automation to enable smaller crews than comparable warships.
Following launch, Valour will undergo outfitting, platform and combat systems integration, and acceptance trials. The first crews are beginning training in parallel to bring the ship into service in the coming years. Deliveries of the class are scheduled to begin progressively from 2028.
The program is a collaboration across Singapore’s Defence Technology Community, including DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, ST Engineering, and industry partners.
About the MRCV
The Republic of Singapore Navy safeguards the nation’s seaward defence and critical Sea Lines of Communication. The MRCVs, operating alongside existing assets, are intended to strengthen the RSN’s ability to keep maritime trade routes open and contribute to regional security.
Combining the combat power of a modern frigate with the capacity to carry and control a range of unmanned systems, the MRCV is the largest and most complex warship built to date in Singapore. The effort is led by DSTA with DSO, ST Engineering and international partners.
Advanced combatant and unmanned mothership
Measuring 150 meters with a displacement of 8,000 tonnes, the MRCV is built to deploy Unmanned Surface Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles to extend surveillance and operational reach across all domains. With an operational range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles and endurance over 21 days, a single MRCV with its unmanned systems can undertake missions that would otherwise require multiple manned ships.
The ships will field advanced sensors and weapons for high-end warfare and operate a new Combat Management System developed by DSTA that integrates sense-making and decision-support tools.
Mission modularity
The design accommodates eight containerised mission modules in a dedicated bay, allowing rapid reconfiguration for tasks such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Medical facilities can be augmented with rapidly deployable maritime containers if required. Handling standard shipping containers also simplifies logistics for stores and maintenance.
The MRCVs will replace the Victory-class Missile Corvettes, with deliveries from 2028. To honour the legacy of the class, the new ships will retain the names of the Victory-class, with the first named Victory.
Future-ready design
- A high-voltage electrical distribution system powering Integrated Full Electric Propulsion is sized for future systems with greater energy demands.
- A lightweight composite superstructure lowers the center of gravity and preserves margins for new equipment.
Automation features are intended to improve safety and reduce workload. The bridge can be run by two personnel instead of five, and the Engineering Control Centre requires one operator instead of four. Onboard cranes, a cargo elevator, and internal handling gear are fitted to move containers, weapons, and supplies efficiently.
Characteristics
Length: 150 m
Beam: 21 m
Displacement: 8,000 tonnes
Speed: In excess of 22 knots
Endurance: Over 7,000 nm
Baseline complement: fewer than 100 crew
Sensors
- Thales multi-function radar
- Thales fire control radar
- Safran electro-optical system
- Hull-mounted sonar
- Cyber security capabilities
Weapons
- Strales 76 mm guided gun
- MK30-C 30 mm remotely controlled weapon system
- MICA and ASTER surface-to-air missile systems
- Surface-to-surface missile system (to be confirmed)
The Republic of Singapore Navy safeguards the nation’s seaward defence and critical Sea Lines of Communication in a region where other navies are also expanding infrastructure, such as the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in the United States.
