Keel Laying for the RSN's First Littoral Mission Vessel

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit (right) officiating at the Keel Laying Ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy's first Littoral Mission Vessel. On his right was Mr Ng Sing Chan, President of Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd.

The keel laying ceremony for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) was held at Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) in Jurong today. Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit officiated at the ceremony. The keel laying of the first LMV marks another significant milestone for the RSN.

This LMV is the first of eight new LMVs to be built for the RSN by ST Marine, together with ST Electronics and DSO National Laboratories. The Defence Science and Technology Agency is the overall programme manager and systems integrator for the LMV programme.

The LMVs, to be equipped with advanced combat systems, will be highly versatile and capable of embarking on various mission modules to fulfil a full spectrum of operations. To enable enhanced operational efficiency with a leaner crew size, cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts have been integrated into the design of the LMVs.

The LMVs will replace the existing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, which have served the RSN well for close to 20 years. The addition of the LMVs to the RSN will enhance the capabilities of the RSN for the seaward defence of Singapore.