|
|Ship beam={{convert|16.3|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|Ship draught={{convert|6.0|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|Ship power=*4 × [[Isotta Fraschini|ISM V1708]] [[diesel generator]]s, each producing {{convert|860|kW|shp|lk=on|sigfig=3}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diesel-spec.com/c/c.aspx/ISO001/productspecs|title=Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A. engines specs|website=Diesel-Specs|accessdateaccess-date=22 April 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710123612/http://www.diesel-spec.com/c/c.aspx/ISO001/productspecs|archivedatearchive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>
*Total output: {{convert|3440|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|Ship propulsion=*[[Combined diesel and diesel]] (CODAD) arrangement
*4 × [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 20V 8000 M90, each rated at {{convert|9100|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtu-online.com/mtu/products/diesel-engines-overview/general-purpose-diesel-engines/8000/|title=MTU Series 8000|website=MTU-online|accessdateaccess-date=23 November 2010|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929155323/http://www.mtu-online.com/mtu/products/diesel-engines-overview/general-purpose-diesel-engines/8000/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Total output: {{convert|36400|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
|Ship sail plan=
|Ship aircraft=1 × [[Sikorsky S-70#S-70|S-70B Seahawk]] multi-mission capable naval helicopter
|Ship aircraft facilities=[[Flight deck]] and enclosed [[hangar]] for up to two medium-lift helicopters
|Ship notes=Sources:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/vessels.html |title=Republic of Singapore Navy - Naval Assets |date=15 March 2010 |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] (MINDEF) |accessdateaccess-date=22 April 2010 |archive-date=6 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706093445/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/vessels.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Frigate><{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/capabilities.asp |title=Capabilities of the Frigate |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] |accessdateaccess-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=26 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626044929/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/capabilities.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
|}
The '''''Formidable''-class''' multi-role [[Stealth ship|stealth frigates]] are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]], and are multi-mission derivatives of the [[French Navy]]'s {{sclass-|La Fayette|frigate}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Formidable Frigate |work=DCNS |url=http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/formidable.html |accessdateaccess-date=2007-05-28 |archiveurlarchive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070513074135/http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/formidable.html|archivedatearchive-date = 2007-05-13}}</ref> The six ships form the First Flotilla of the RSN.
==Planning and acquisition==
==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|accessdateaccess-date=2010-11-22|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025938/http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|archivedatearchive-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 |accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-date=2010-11-22|archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930125024/http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|archivedatearchive-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|accessdateaccess-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/|accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-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 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#|accessdateaccess-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==
The six frigates form the 185 Squadron of the RSN.
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|accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-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|accessdateaccess-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-20191014-02.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|accessdateaccess-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>
RSS ''Steadfast'' participated in the world's largest multilateral naval exercise [[RIMPAC]] for the first time from 27 June to 31 July 2008, which involved 20,000 personnel from 10 countries operating over 35 ships, six submarines and over 150 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=RIMPAC Touted as Largest Maritime Exercise in the World|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38312|accessdateaccess-date=2008-08-06|archive-date=5 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205152600/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38312|url-status=live}}</ref> During this exercise, RSS ''Steadfast'' launched a [[Harpoon missile]] on a decommissioned USN warship on 14 July 2008 and also refueled at sea with a contingent of USN vessels.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=Republic of Singapore Navy Participates in RIMPAC For First Time|work=Aviation Weekly - Ares|url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a0b070b45-b277-4885-b067-3192fdd4dd85&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending|accessdateaccess-date=2008-08-06|archive-date=7 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307145332/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:0b070b45-b277-4885-b067-3192fdd4dd85&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=Singapore Navy's Inaugural Participation in Rim of the Pacific Exercise|work=Ministry of Defence Singapore|url=http://app.sprinter.gov.sg/data/pr/20080727994.htm|accessdateaccess-date=2008-08-06}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=Singapore warship makes mark in 10-nation drill|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore|url=http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,10719,|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205174453/http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,10719,|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-05|accessdateaccess-date=2008-08-06}}</ref> Participation in this exercise also validated the RSN's ability to conduct sustained sea operations.<ref>{{cite journal|date=July 2008|title=Singapore's Steadfast successfully fires Harpoon missile|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly}}</ref>
On 16 November 2009, the Republic of Singapore Air Force established its Peace Triton Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter detachment at the USN Maritime Strike Weapons School in San Diego, California to undertake qualification and operational training under the umbrella of the USN's SH-60F Aircraft Qualification Course. RSS ''Stalwart'' was deployed to southern California to support ship/air integration activities.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scott|first=Richard|date=November 2009|title=Singapore establishes 'Peace Triton' helicopter training unit in US|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref> On 25 March 2010, the Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that the Seahawk integration programme had successfully concluded with a "high-tempo, week-long exercise" involving assets from both the RSN and USN, including five surface ships, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft and F/A-18 Hornet combat jets.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moss|first=Trefor|date=March 2010|title=Singapore's Seahawk integration programme concludes successfully|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref>
In September 2012 the RSN deployed RSS ''Intrepid'' and an S-70B naval helicopter in support of [[Combined Task Force 151]] (CTF 151), a multinational effort to fight piracy in the shipping lanes off Somalia. This was the first operational deployment of a Formidable-class frigate and naval helicopter for counter-piracy operations in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RSS Intrepid returns home|first=Nathaniel|last=Hong|newspaper=[[The New Paper]]|date=16 December 2012|url=http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121214-389618.html|accessdateaccess-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328041034/http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121214-389618.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed by a second deployment in March 2014 of a task group comprising RSS ''Tenacious'' and another S-70B, the fifth such mission undertaken by the SAF.<ref>{{cite press release|title=SAF Deploys Fifth Task Group to the Gulf of Aden|website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]]|date=17 March 2014|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2014/mar/17mar14_nr.html#.UzSIU4VqO2U|accessdateaccess-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328011259/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2014/mar/17mar14_nr.html#.UzSIU4VqO2U|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 9 March 2014, RSS ''Steadfast'' was deployed along with other air and sea assets to assist with the search and rescue operations of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]].<ref>{{cite news |title=SAF deploys more assets to help search for missing plane |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/saf-deploys-more-assets-help-search-missing-plane |newspaper=[[Today (Singapore newspaper)|Today]] |date=10 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014 |archive-date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313074915/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/saf-deploys-more-assets-help-search-missing-plane |url-status=live }}</ref>
In December 2014, RSS ''Supreme'' was deployed in the search for [[Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501|Airasia Flight QZ8501]] after it crashed into the Java Sea on 28 December 2014; along with RSS ''Valour'', RSS ''Persistence'', RSS ''Kallang'', MV ''Swift Rescue'', and two [[Lockheed C-130H Hercules]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Singapore sends 5th navy ship for AirAsia QZ8501 search |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore-sends-5th-navy/1560480.html |newspaper=[[Channel NewsAsia|CNA]] |date=31 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurlarchive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106043157/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore-sends-5th-navy/1560480.html |archivedatearchive-date=6 January 2015}}</ref>
==References==
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