The six Formidable-class frigates of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will likely be given mid-life upgrades after nearly twenty years of service. The frigates will likely be given an enhanced command and management system by way of superior applied sciences comparable to synthetic intelligence and improved sensors. It will allow the frigates to detect and react sooner to potential threats. Upgrades can even be made to the frigates’ weapons and communication techniques. Their weapon techniques will likely be upgraded to be extra deadly and correct, whereas the ships’ communication techniques will likely be refreshed to extend the networking capability of the frigates with the remainder of the SAF.
“For the reason that commissioning of the primary frigate in 2007, the frigates have pushed the working envelope for the RSN throughout all dimensions – air, floor and underwater – within the maritime area. So after the improve, the frigates’ fight capabilities will enhance and be outfitted with higher fight administration, communication techniques, weapon techniques, together with improved upkeep processe. Mainly, they use much less, obtain extra.” stated the Singapore Ministry of Defence (Mindef) .
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The Fleet Administration System will likely be integrated into the upgraded frigates. Data collected on the ships’ platform and fight techniques well being standing will likely be collated and used for pre-emptive functions, to boost the frigates’ operational readiness. The upgrades will likely be completed in shut collaboration with the Defence Science and Know-how Company in addition to DSO Nationwide Laboratories. The Singapore Ministry of Defence awarded the contract to DCNS (now Naval group) for the design and development of six frigates. Subsequent upkeep and mid-life retrofit will likely be completed by ST Marine.
The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are the most recent floor platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette-class frigate. Radar cross part (RCS) discount options have been integrated into the Formidable class design. The frigates are outfitted with Boeing Harpoon missiles and Oto Melara 76 mm weapons for floor defence. The frigates are additionally outfitted with the EDO Company energetic low frequency towed sonar to allow lengthy vary submarine detection and classification, in addition to EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 light-weight torpedoes.
