The keel laying ceremony for the RSNs first locally-built
stealth frigate was held at Singapore Technologies Marine (ST
Marine) in Jurong today. Chief of Defence Force, LG Lim Chuan Poh,
officiated at the ceremony. The keel laying of the first
locally-built frigate marks a significant milestone for Singapores
defence industry.
This locally-built frigate is the second of six new stealth
frigates for the RSN. The first of the class is being built in
France by Direction des Construction Navales and is expected to
sail back to Singapore in 2005. ST Marine will construct the
remaining five ships locally, together with ST Electronics and DSO
National Laboratories in systems development. The RSN provides key
operational inputs during the design phase of the ship, and is also
involved in systems design and integration process to ensure that
they meet operational requirements. The frigates are built to be
stealthy, using the latest ship design and building technology. The
Defence Science & Technology Agency is the overall programme
manager and systems integrator for the frigate programme.
The RSNs frigate programme is a significant collaboration between
the defence establishments of Singapore and France. The defence
relationship between Singapore and France is an extensive one which
also includes regular dialogue at the policy level and professional
interactions in bilateral and multilateral exercises.
The addition of the frigates to the RSN fleet will enhance the
capabilities of the navy in the defence of Singapore.