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{{short description|
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
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{|{{Infobox ship begin
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=[[File:Singapore Navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast.jpg|300px|RSS ''Steadfast'' in 2008]]
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{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name=''Formidable'' class
|Builders=*[[DCNS (company)|DCNS]], [[Lorient]]
*[[ST Engineering|ST Engineering (Marine)]], [[Benoi]]
|Operators={{navy|
|
|In commission range= 2007 - present
|In service range=
|Total ships completed=6
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Construction of ''Formidable'' began in late 2002, when the keel was laid down in Lorient in November 2002.
==Design and construction==▼
[[Radar cross section]] (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into the ''Formidable'' class design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks as well as concealment of ship boats and replenishment-at-sea equipment behind low-RCS curtains. The ''Formidable'' class have a significantly reduced profile than the ''La Fayette'' class and its other derivatives,<ref>{{cite web|title=DCNS - European Leader in Naval Defence|work=DCNS|url=http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025938/http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref> due to the smaller superstructure and the use of enclosed sensor mast technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surface Forces |work=Strategy Page |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |access-date=2007-05-29 |archive-date=18 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818104749/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The frigate is also constructed entirely of steel, unlike the ''La Fayette'' class which makes extensive use of weight-saving composite structures in its aft superstructure block.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49">{{cite journal |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=April 2006 |title=Singapore Moves to Realise Its Formidable Ambitions |journal=Jane's Navy International |volume=111 |issue=4 |pages=42–49}}</ref> The frigates also possess better sea keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time.<ref name=Frigate/>▼
===Sensors and systems===▼
The frigates are equipped with the [[Herakles (radar)|Thales Herakles]] [[passive electronically scanned array]] multi-function radar, which provides three-dimensional surveillance for up to {{convert|250|km|abbr=on|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thales HERAKLES|work=Thales|url=http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930125024/http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref> The radar provides all-round automatic search and tracking of both air and surface targets, and is integrated with the [[MBDA Aster]] air defence system.<ref>{{cite web|title=Combat Systems of the Frigate|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=11 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070511010520/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> Utilising the DCNS [[Sylver (missile launcher)|Sylver]] [[vertical launching system|vertical launch system (VLS)]], each frigate is equipped with 32 cells.<ref>{{cite web|title=Formidable Class Multi-Mission Frigates, Singapore|work=Naval Technology|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=15 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515084258/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is reported that the frigates have a special [[surface-to-air missile]] configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of Aster 15 and 30 missiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Target acquisition - MAST highlights missile-defense concepts|work=Defence Technology International|url=http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=7 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207121335/http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
The ''Formidable''-class frigates are key nodes within the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]' Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control network, a concept similar to the United States Department of Defense's [[network-centric warfare]] doctrine. The locally developed Combat Management System integrates all the sensors and weapon systems on board, and a dual [[Fast Ethernet]] data transfer system forms the backbone of this system.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49"/>▼
Each frigate has a span of influence that stretches up to about {{convert|200|nmi|km|abbr=on}}, where it acts as the Navy's mobile operations centre out at sea and receives information from sister ships and aerial assets deployed within the range. The Combat Management System will then make sense of the different data, establish an accurate picture of the area of operations, and send the information back to shore and to its army and air force counterparts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frigates to Function as Ops Centre in Integrated Warfighting|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|access-date=2007-05-29|archive-date=8 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608190625/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This increases [[battlespace]] awareness and allows little time for the enemy to react due to the short sensor-to-shooter loops.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wan|first=Gail|date=May 2007|title=Heralding the New-Age Navy|journal=Pioneer|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|access-date=2007-05-31|archive-date=27 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627170243/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>▼
===Armament===▼
The frigates are equipped with [[Boeing Harpoon]] missiles and [[OTO Melara 76 mm|Oto Melara 76 mm guns]] for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of {{convert|130|km|nmi|abbr=on}} and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} warhead. There is space for as many as 24 Harpoon missiles at the center of ship making it the most well armed ship of its class{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}. The gun fires {{convert|6|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} shells to a maximum range of {{convert|30|km|yd|abbr=on}} at a firing rate of up to 120 rounds per minute.▼
The frigates are also equipped with the [[EDO Corporation]] active low frequency towed sonar to enable long range submarine detection and classification, as well as [[EuroTorp]] [[A244-S|A244/S Mod 3]] lightweight torpedoes fired from two B515 triple-tube launchers hidden behind the bulwark.▼
The frigates are equipped with [[Sikorsky S-70]]B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the [[United States Navy]] [[Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk]]. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with [[Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation]] in January 2005 to acquire six of these helicopters, which will be organic to the frigates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters|work=Sikorsky Corporation|url=http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=96d99a93bc298110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=9fbda96c2e289110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&keyword=Singapore&dateFrom=null&dateTo=null&model=null&business=null&matchCriteria=null&matchKeyword=any&fromSearchPage=true&businessIndex=null&=modelIndex=null#|access-date=2010-11-22}}</ref> Each of these naval helicopters are equipped with a [http://www.telephonics.com/ Telephonics] [[List of radars#AN/APS Series|AN/APS-143 ''Ocean Eye'']] X-band maritime surveillance and tracking radar,<ref name="APS">{{Cite web |url=http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |title=Designation-Systems.net: AN/APR to AN/APS - Equipment Listing |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031233/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a [[L-3 Communications]] Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar ([[HELRAS]]) dipping sonar, EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes and a [[Raytheon]] AAS-44 electro-optic system to provide infrared detection and tracking.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moss|first=Trefor|date=March 2010|title=Helicopters return to Singapore following integration training|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref> The naval helicopters will be raised as a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and piloted by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the Navy.▼
==Ships in class==
[[File:RSS Intrepid.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Intrepid'' in port]]▼
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-01.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Formidable'' Rear view]]▼
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
|-
Line 71 ⟶ 93:
|-
|[[RSS Intrepid|RSS ''Intrepid'']] || align="center" |69
|rowspan="5" |[[ST Engineering]],
{{Flag|Singapore}}
| 3 July 2004 || 5 February 2008 ||Active
|-
|[[RSS Steadfast|RSS ''Steadfast'']] || align="center" |70
| 28 January 2005 || 5 February 2008 ||Active
|-
|[[RSS Tenacious|RSS ''Tenacious'']] || align="center" |71
| 15 July 2005 || 5 February 2008 ||Active
|-
|{{RSS|Stalwart|72|6}} || align="center"|72
| 9 December 2005 || 16 January 2009 ||Active
|-
|[[RSS Supreme|RSS ''Supreme'']] || align="center" |73
| 9 May 2006 || 16 January 2009 ||Active
|-
|}
▲==Design and construction==
▲[[Radar cross section]] (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into the ''Formidable'' class design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks as well as concealment of ship boats and replenishment-at-sea equipment behind low-RCS curtains. The ''Formidable'' class have a significantly reduced profile than the ''La Fayette'' class and its other derivatives,<ref>{{cite web|title=DCNS - European Leader in Naval Defence|work=DCNS|url=http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025938/http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref> due to the smaller superstructure and the use of enclosed sensor mast technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surface Forces |work=Strategy Page |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |access-date=2007-05-29 |archive-date=18 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818104749/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The frigate is also constructed entirely of steel, unlike the ''La Fayette'' class which makes extensive use of weight-saving composite structures in its aft superstructure block.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49">{{cite journal |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=April 2006 |title=Singapore Moves to Realise Its Formidable Ambitions |journal=Jane's Navy International |volume=111 |issue=4 |pages=42–49}}</ref> The frigates also possess better sea keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time.<ref name=Frigate/>
▲===Sensors and systems===
▲The frigates are equipped with the [[Herakles (radar)|Thales Herakles]] [[passive electronically scanned array]] multi-function radar, which provides three-dimensional surveillance for up to {{convert|250|km|abbr=on|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thales HERAKLES|work=Thales|url=http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930125024/http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref> The radar provides all-round automatic search and tracking of both air and surface targets, and is integrated with the [[MBDA Aster]] air defence system.<ref>{{cite web|title=Combat Systems of the Frigate|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=11 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070511010520/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> Utilising the DCNS [[Sylver (missile launcher)|Sylver]] [[vertical launching system|vertical launch system (VLS)]], each frigate is equipped with 32 cells.<ref>{{cite web|title=Formidable Class Multi-Mission Frigates, Singapore|work=Naval Technology|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=15 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515084258/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is reported that the frigates have a special [[surface-to-air missile]] configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of Aster 15 and 30 missiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Target acquisition - MAST highlights missile-defense concepts|work=Defence Technology International|url=http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=7 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207121335/http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|url-status=live}}</ref>
▲The ''Formidable''-class frigates are key nodes within the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]' Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control network, a concept similar to the United States Department of Defense's [[network-centric warfare]] doctrine. The locally developed Combat Management System integrates all the sensors and weapon systems on board, and a dual [[Fast Ethernet]] data transfer system forms the backbone of this system.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49"/>
▲Each frigate has a span of influence that stretches up to about {{convert|200|nmi|km|abbr=on}}, where it acts as the Navy's mobile operations centre out at sea and receives information from sister ships and aerial assets deployed within the range. The Combat Management System will then make sense of the different data, establish an accurate picture of the area of operations, and send the information back to shore and to its army and air force counterparts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frigates to Function as Ops Centre in Integrated Warfighting|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|access-date=2007-05-29|archive-date=8 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608190625/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This increases [[battlespace]] awareness and allows little time for the enemy to react due to the short sensor-to-shooter loops.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wan|first=Gail|date=May 2007|title=Heralding the New-Age Navy|journal=Pioneer|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|access-date=2007-05-31|archive-date=27 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627170243/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
▲===Armament===
▲The frigates are equipped with [[Boeing Harpoon]] missiles and [[OTO Melara 76 mm|Oto Melara 76 mm guns]] for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of {{convert|130|km|nmi|abbr=on}} and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} warhead. There is space for as many as 24 Harpoon missiles at the center of ship making it the most well armed ship of its class{{citation needed|date=May 2017}}. The gun fires {{convert|6|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} shells to a maximum range of {{convert|30|km|yd|abbr=on}} at a firing rate of up to 120 rounds per minute.
▲The frigates are also equipped with the [[EDO Corporation]] active low frequency towed sonar to enable long range submarine detection and classification, as well as [[EuroTorp]] [[A244-S|A244/S Mod 3]] lightweight torpedoes fired from two B515 triple-tube launchers hidden behind the bulwark.
▲The frigates are equipped with [[Sikorsky S-70]]B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the [[United States Navy]] [[Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk]]. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with [[Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation]] in January 2005 to acquire six of these helicopters, which will be organic to the frigates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters|work=Sikorsky Corporation|url=http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=96d99a93bc298110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=9fbda96c2e289110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&keyword=Singapore&dateFrom=null&dateTo=null&model=null&business=null&matchCriteria=null&matchKeyword=any&fromSearchPage=true&businessIndex=null&=modelIndex=null#|access-date=2010-11-22}}</ref> Each of these naval helicopters are equipped with a [http://www.telephonics.com/ Telephonics] [[List of radars#AN/APS Series|AN/APS-143 ''Ocean Eye'']] X-band maritime surveillance and tracking radar,<ref name="APS">{{Cite web |url=http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |title=Designation-Systems.net: AN/APR to AN/APS - Equipment Listing |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031233/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a [[L-3 Communications]] Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar ([[HELRAS]]) dipping sonar, EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes and a [[Raytheon]] AAS-44 electro-optic system to provide infrared detection and tracking.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moss|first=Trefor|date=March 2010|title=Helicopters return to Singapore following integration training|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref> The naval helicopters will be raised as a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and piloted by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the Navy.
==Operational history==
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RSS ''Formidable'' participated in [[Malabar 2007|Exercise Malabar 07-2]] in September 2007, a Theater Security Cooperation engagement involving the navies of the United States, India, Australia, Japan and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2007|title=Kitty Hawk, Allies Complete Malabar Exercise|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31737|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=21 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021074945/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31737|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=December 2007|title=Statement by Admiral Gary Roughead Chief of Naval Operations Before The House Armed Services Committee on the Cooperative Strategy For 21st Century Seapower|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/08489C1_Statement_13DEC07_HASC_CNO_Maritime_Strategy_final.pdf|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=3 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003113920/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/08489C1_Statement_13DEC07_HASC_CNO_Maritime_Strategy_final.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The exercise involved more than 20,000 personnel on 28 ships and 150 aircraft, including the USS ''Kitty Hawk'' [[Carrier Strike Group]].<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2007|title=Exercise Malabar 07-2 Kicks Off|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31691|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=12 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112235023/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31691|url-status=live}}</ref>
▲[[File:RSS Intrepid.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Intrepid'' in port]]
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-05.jpg|thumb|VLS and Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun]]
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-04.jpg|thumb|Hidden [[Harpoon (missile)|harpoon]]]]
▲[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-01.jpg|thumb|RSS Formidable Rear view]]
▲[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-02.jpg|thumb|bridge]]
RSS ''Intrepid'' conducted the navy's inaugural live firing of the French-made Aster 15 surface-to-air missile on 2 April 2008, off the French coast of Toulon.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 2008|title=Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean Witnesses Inaugural Aster Missile Live Firing|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/apr/03apr08_nr.html|access-date=2008-04-03|archive-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703062357/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/apr/03apr08_nr.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The frigate successfully shot down an aerial drone simulating an enemy target with an Aster missile. It was reported that the frigate sailed halfway round the world to test fire the Aster missiles due to the crowded air and sealanes around Singapore and the lack of an instrumented firing range needed by defence engineers to track and measure the performance of the Aster missile.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Boey|title=S'pore Navy's first surface-to-air missile firing a success|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2008-04-03}}</ref>
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[[Category:Formidable-class frigates| ]]
[[Category:Stealth ships]]
[[Category:Frigates of the Republic of Singapore Navy]]
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