Singapore Awards ST Engineering Contract for Formidable-Class Frigate Upgrade

Singapore has awarded ST Engineering a contract to upgrade its Formidable-class frigates.

The contract was announced by the firm on December 14, aligning with Singapore's efforts to address challenges related to limited troop size and training spaces.

The military has engaged in joint training exercises and deployed troops to various countries to address these constraints, with end strength remaining a challenge. ST Engineering is also contracted to deliver six multirole combat vessels to replace the Navy's aging missile corvette fleet, incorporating autonomous technologies.

Singapore's Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, highlighted the integration of unmanned platforms into the Navy's future force structure, aiming for approximately half of its vessels to be unmanned. The Navy anticipates a 30% reduction in personnel over the next two decades, prompting a shift towards multipurpose platforms capable of diverse operations, from combat to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Singapore has consistently allocated about 3% of its GDP to military efforts, with a 10% increase in defense spending from 2018 to 2022, reaching nearly $11.7 billion. This investment is part of Singapore's military modernization plan slated for completion by 2040. The plan includes the activation of four Invincible-class submarines and the delivery of offshore patrol vessels, reflecting Singapore's approach to enhancing maritime capabilities through international acquisitions and indigenous technologies.

The Formidable-class frigate measures 114 meters in length, has a beam of 16 meters, and a displacement of 3,200 tones. It accommodates a crew of 72, including 19 air detachment personnel. Notably, the frigate is capable of high speeds, cruising at over 25 knots, and boasts a range exceeding 3,500 nautical miles.

The Formidable-class is equipped with a diverse array of weaponry, including Harpoon Surface-to-Surface Missiles, a 76mm OTO Melara Gun, Aster Surface-to-Air Missiles, Whitehead A244S Torpedoes, Typhoon MK 25 Gun, and the versatile S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter.