LITTORAL MISSION VESSEL UNITY SET TO SAIL

At a time when global terrorism threatens to pull our society apart and terrorist groups are renewing calls for attacks on tankers in the Malacca Strait, it is important that Singaporeans stand in unity.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung said this at the launch of the third Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), named Unity, held at Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine Benoi Yard on 13 Oct. Also present at the event were Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han and Mr Ong's wife, Diana, who launched and the ship.

"LMV Unity reminds us to hold together despite the challenges that we may face. Unity is our strongest defence against any sort of attack. We must be united in our goal for a harmonious and peaceful Singapore, and stand together to guard against the growing terror threat."

The 'smarter, faster, and sharper' LMVs will replace the current fleet of Fearless-class Patrol Vessels which have been in service for more than 20 years.

The LMVs can be rapidly configured with mission modules enabling it to participate in a wide spectrum of operations from unmanned operations to disaster relief efforts.

With the "stacked mast" design in the LMV, 90 percent of the system components within can be accessed easily for maintenance, even at sea. Hence, this reduces the time needed for maintenance and increases the LMV's operational readiness.

In the conclusion, Mr Ong said: "Beyond all these capabilities, I think what is gratifying is how the RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy), DSTA (Defence Science and Technology Agency), ST Marine and our defence technology industry partners have come together to successfully create a 'Uniquely Singapore' LMV design. This is also unity subtly at play and underscores how everyone has a part to play in defence."

LMV Independence and Sovereignty, which were the first and second LMV launched respectively, are currently undergoing sea trials. LMV Independence is expected to be operational by 2017 and all eight LMVs by 2020.