With a ceremony officiated by the Singaporean Defense Minister, Chan Chun Sing, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has launched the first of its new Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) — RSS VICTORY — at the ST Engineering Benoi Yard.

The ship represents the largest and most advanced combatant ever built for Singapore, designed to operate as a true drone mothership for unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater systems, and to serve as a command and control platform for network-centric naval operations.

The RSS VICTORY is the first of 6 MRCVs planned under the RSN’s fleet-modernization program, which will progressively replace the VICTORY-class missile corvettes that entered service in 1989. As highlighted by Minister Chan, the vessel’s ability to deploy and manage multiple unmanned systems will greatly expand its surveillance and reconnaissance coverage, enhancing situational awareness across all domains.

The MRCV was designed by ST Engineering in collaboration with Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) and Saab Kockums, drawing on international best practices in modular ship design. The vessel measures approximately 150 m in length, has a beam of about 21 m, and displaces around 8,000 tons at full load.

In terms of combat systems, the ship will be equipped with a Leonardo 76 mm STRALES naval gun, MBDA VL MICA NG and ASTER surface-to-air missiles housed in 32 vertical launch cells. It will also field surface-to-surface missiles, likely the BLUE SPEAR by IAI, and 2 Rafael TYPHOON Mk30-C remote weapon stations mounting 30 mm autocannons.

Sensor suites are expected to include a Thales multi-function AESA radar — possibly the SEA FIRE 3D system — integrated with a hull-mounted sonar and Safran electro-optical sensors, enabling comprehensive surface, air, and subsurface detection capabilities.

The unmanned systems that will operate from the MRCV have not yet been publicly specified, but the vessel’s large mission bay and modular design will allow the RSN to embark a variety of unmanned platforms for surveillance, mine-countermeasure, or anti-submarine missions.

Singapore plans to commission the RSS Victory between 2028 and 2029, following outfitting, sea trials, and systems integration. Once in service, the MRCV class will form the cornerstone of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s next-generation surface fleet, providing the force with a significant boost in autonomy, flexibility, and multi-domain operational reach.

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