The Singapore Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to ST Engineering Marine for the mid-life upgrade of the Republic of Singapore Navy’s Formidable-class warships.
The contractor’s parent ST Engineering firm said the upgrade covers the frigates’ marine and electrical setups, including ship management and power generation systems. ST Engineering Marine will work progressively on the Formidable warships, with the first frigate upgrade expected for completion in 2028.
According to the Naval Technology website, six Formidable frigates were built for the Singapore Navy, with the first vessel made in France delivered to the service in 2005. ST Engineering Marine built the rest of the five ships in Singapore under a technology transfer program.
Tan Leong Peng, ST Engineering Marine president, views the contract as an endorsement of the company’s naval expertise and competency to extend the Formidable ships’ operational service. “We are committed to supporting MINDEF in ensuring the continued mission effectiveness of this important capability,” he said.
In addition to the frigates’ upgrade, Singapore is looking at autonomous technologies for a new multi-role combat vessel planned for RSN, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen disclosed in February along with other modernization initiatives for the island country’s military.