Singapore navy launches first of six ‘motherships’ for unmanned combat

Unmanned surface vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles deployed from the MRCV will work together to expand the surveillance and operational reach of the ship.

This allows one MRCV to execute missions which would typically require multiple manned warships, said MINDEF.

The vessel is also equipped with advanced sensors and weapons such as the Strales 76mm guided gun and the ASTER surface-to-air missile system, to conduct high-end warfare and function as a command ship to support SAF missions.

The MRCV additionally features a combat management system developed by DSTA, to integrate the sensor and weapons systems.

“A SMALL CITY”

The MRCV is also designed with advanced automation to operate safely and effectively with a smaller crew compared to other warships of similar size and capability, said MINDEF.

For example, the MRCV’s bridge – or the “cockpit” of ships – can be operated by two crew members instead of five; while the engineering control centre requires just one staffer rather than four to monitor ship systems.

The combat vessel can also hold eight containers in its mission bay, to be reconfigured for a wide range of missions within short periods of time, such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

This increases operational flexibility and reflects “prudence” in defence spending, said Lieutenant-Colonel Auyong Kok Phai, deputy director of the MRCV project.