The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has deployed domestically developed unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for patrol missions in the Singapore Strait. These vessels, designed for maritime security operations, will work alongside crewed Independence-class littoral mission vessels to enhance surveillance and interdiction capabilities.
According to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, the USVs are equipped to investigate suspicious vessels, conduct remote high-risk missions, and support maritime security efforts. The deployment follows over 1,000 hours of testing, with further trials planned to expand their capabilities. Three USVs are already in service, and a fourth is expected to enter operation later this year.
Developed in collaboration with the Defence Science & Technology Agency and DSO National Laboratories, the USVs feature advanced navigation and threat suppression systems. They are fitted with a searchlight, siren, long-range acoustics device, radar, GPS, and a 12.7mm stabilized weapon system with a laser dazzler.
A key innovation is the vessel’s collision detection and avoidance algorithm, which has completed over 12 million kilometers of simulated navigation without collisions. The 16.9-meter-long USV can operate at speeds over 25 knots and has an endurance of more than 36 hours. The RSN’s deployment of these vessels marks a significant step in Singapore’s naval modernization efforts.
(Sources: The Defense Post, photo credit to Singapore’s Ministry of Defence)
