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Launch of the Singapore Navy’s Second Multi-Role Combat Vessel
23 July 2026
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, officiated the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) second Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), Valour, at the ST Engineering’s Benoi Shipyard today.
Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr K Shanmugam, officiated the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) second Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), Valour, at the ST Engineering’s Benoi Shipyard today. The MRCV was launched by Mr Shanmugam’s spouse, who was the Lady Sponsor. The ceremony was also attended by 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 Mr Tan Peng Yam, Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, and senior defence officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Armed Forces, and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Shanmugam highlighted that a strong and capable Navy was integral to safeguarding Singapore’s sea lines of communication and sovereignty, “It is a fundamental national priority for us to keep our maritime approaches secure, open and free. In fact, it’s a matter of survival. The MRCV strengthens our Navy's ability to help us fulfil this mission.” He added, “The future security environment continues to evolve. We will not be able to predict every challenge that we will face. But we can build platforms that can adapt and respond to a wide range of scenarios, and evolve alongside those challenges.”
MRCV Valour is the second of six MRCVs to be launched. The MRCV is designed to function as a “mothership” for unmanned aerial, surface and underwater systems for the conduct of naval operations. The MRCVs will also be equipped with advanced sensors, weapon systems and network capabilities. This will allow her to handle a wide range of threats, and function as a Command ship. Designed with advanced automation, the MRCV will be able to operate safely and effectively with a smaller crew compared to other warships of similar size and capability.
MRCV Valour will be undergoing outfitting, platform and combat systems integration, and acceptance trials. In parallel, pioneer MRCV crew will also begin training to prepare them to operationalise the ship in the coming years. The MRCVs will be delivered progressively from 2028 onwards.
The MRCV project reflects the strong partnership with the Defence Technology Community, including DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, ST Engineering, and other industry partners, to ensure that the ship can deliver its envisaged operational outcomes.
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