On October 21, 2023, at ST Engineering’s Benoi shipyard in Singapore, Chan Chun Sing, Singapore’s Defense Minister, spoke at the launch ceremony for the country’s newest warship.

**Warship Specifications**
The new warship, named Victory, is the first of six Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCV) being developed for Singapore’s navy. The ship is 492 feet long (150m) and weighs 8,000 tons, making it the largest surface combatant in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

**Construction and Features**
The MRCV was awarded to ST Engineering in a contract dated March 2023. The ship is designed to operate as both a frigate and a “mothership” for unmanned systems that can engage in aerial, surface, and underwater operations. The first delivery is expected in 2028, intended to replace six aging 595-ton Victory-class missile corvettes.

**Operational Concept**
Chan likened the MRCV to fictional sci-fi ships due to its adaptability in operational missions. He noted that one MRCV, supported by its unmanned companions, could perform tasks typically requiring multiple manned warships.

**Design and Technology**
The vessels are designed for a range of 7,000 nautical miles and feature a mission bay capable of accommodating up to eight 20-foot containers. The MRCV is equipped with advanced technology, reducing crew needs to fewer than 100 sailors, with a bridge that can function with just two crew members.

**Armament and Capabilities**
Armaments include a Leonardo Strales 76mm naval gun, remote-controlled weapon stations, and missile defense systems (MICA and Aster). The exact type of anti-ship missile has not been publicly disclosed but is speculated to be Blue Spear missiles from Proteus.

**International Collaboration**
Saab, a Swedish company, is involved in the project, providing ship design and composite construction materials that are lighter and offer greater stability than traditional steel. Saab has been making superstructure panels in Singapore and hopes to expand such international collaborations.

**Strategic Importance**
Minister Chan emphasized that Singapore’s naval capabilities are essential for securing the nation’s strategic maritime interests, especially given its critical location in the Singapore Strait, which sees over 100,000 vessel transits annually.

**Author Background**
The article is written by Gordon Arthur, an Asia correspondent for Defense News, residing in New Zealand after previously working in Hong Kong and covering military affairs across the Asia-Pacific region.