ST Engineering launches UxV ‘mother ship’ MRCV

ST Engineering has launched the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) first Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) at its Benoi Yard. The 8,000-ton, 150m-long MRCV is designed to serve as a ‘mothership’ for uncrewed systems, enabling seamless operability across air, surface and subsurface domains, says ST Engineering. The RSN hasn’t disclosed what type of Uncrewed Vessels (UxVs) the new class will operate.

Incorporating state-of-the-art systems, the Victory-class MRCV is intended to support a wide range of missions from maritime security and surveillance to high-intensity combat operations, the company says. MRCV Victory is the first of six MRCVs to be built by ST Engineering (also known as Singapore Technologies Engineering) under a detailed design and construction contract awarded by the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in 2023.

“Our extensive experience in turnkey naval shipbuilding gives us the capabilities to deliver large, complex vessels like the MRCV,” said Tan Leong Peng, President, Marine, ST Engineering. “Being the first of its class, MRCV Victory requires advanced engineering and design precision execution across every stage of construction, a level of expertise that is evident in the launch of the vessel today.”

The launch ceremony was officiated by Mr Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s Minister for Defence. ST Engineering says MRCV Victory, designed in partnership with the RSN and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), is a demonstration of the Group’s engineering depth across multiple domains – from detailed design and shipbuilding to the implementation of critical cyber-secured communication networks to the complex integration of multiple weapons systems.

This complex undertaking reinforced ST Engineering’s position as a trusted partner capable of delivering advanced, multi-domain defence innovations for Singapore and beyond, the company adds

Leveraging 3D modelling and digital twinning, the vessel design was tested and refined virtually before actual construction began, the company explains. The use of virtualisation technologies reduced the need for costly physical prototypes, minimised design rework, cut down material waste and shortened the delivery time required to meet the Navy’s needs. The model-based approach in the development of the Victory-class MRCV has set a new engineering benchmark in the design of advanced naval vessels, ST Engineering says.

After the launch, MRCV Victory will be transferred from Benoi Yard to Gul Yard, where it will undergo further outfitting, integration and sea trials. ST Engineering is on track to deliver the fleet of MRCVs to the RSN progressively from 2028 onwards.