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Third Singapore-made Ship Launched: Littoral Mission Vessel Programme Progressing Well
13 October 2016
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Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung officiated at the launching ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s third Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), Unity, at the Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine)'s Benoi Yard today. The LMV was launched by Mrs Diana Ong, wife of SMS Ong.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ong highlighted the key role that the RSN plays in safeguarding Singapore's sovereignty and maritime security. He said, "Since its humble beginnings, the RSN, with its national maritime security partners, have been working together to keep a 24/7 watch over Singapore's waters, to ensure the seaward defence of Singapore and protect the sea lines of communication that power our economy." Mr Ong recognised that the LMVs, which tap on technologies, innovative engineering and logistics design to enable smarter operations, would form an important part of Singapore's maritime force. Comparing them with the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, he noted that "the LMVs are far more capable and versatile, and will take the RSN into the future".
The launch of the LMVs is a significant milestone in the RSN's continued transformation to keep Singapore's seas safe. The LMVs are faster, more versatile, and equipped with sharper capabilities to further strengthen the RSN's effectiveness in seaward defence. The LMVs can be quickly configured with mission modules to take on a wide spectrum of operations, allowing the crew to deliver calibrated responses using lethal and non-lethal options to deal with a range of maritime threats.
The LMVs are the RSN's newest ships and will replace the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, which have been in service for around 20 years. The first and second LMVs, Independence and Sovereignty, were launched on 3 July 2015 and 16 April 2016 respectively, and are presently undergoing sea trials. The LMV project is progressing well, with LMV Independence expected to be fully operational by 2017, and all eight LMVs by 2020.
Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han and senior officials from the RSN.
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