MARITIME SECURITY CAPABILITIES STRENGTHENED

26jan21_news1_photo1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/ont/2021/26-jan-2021/26jan21_news1_photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=a8ae9cb_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/maritime-security-capabilities-strengthened
MARITIME SECURITY CAPABILITIES STRENGTHENED https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/maritime-security-capabilities-strengthened
26 Jan 2021 | OPS & TRAINING

MARITIME SECURITY CAPABILITIES STRENGTHENED

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) is adding a new flotilla with a range of vessels to respond more swiftly and appropriately to expanding maritime incidents.
//Story by BENITA TEO //Photos by ONG JI XUAN & COURTESY OF RSN
The MSRV (left) and the MSRT (right) will be part of the MSRF, enabling the RSN to respond more quickly to maritime incidents.

To further strengthen the RSN's capabilities in protecting Singapore's territorial waters and respond to evolving maritime security threats, the Maritime and Security Response Flotilla (MSRF) was stood up on 26 Jan.

The inauguration ceremony was held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base and officiated by Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng.

"The MSRF will strengthen Singapore's ability to deal with maritime security threats that have grown in scale and complexity through the years," said Commander MSRF Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lee Jun Meng.

The crew of MSRV Guardian saluting as the naval ensign is raised. The vessel, together with sister ship MSRV Sentinel, will be operational from 26 Jan.

More calibrated response

As part of the restructured Maritime Security Command, the MSRF will be responsible for developing and operating calibrated capabilities to support the Singapore government in responding to maritime incidents. The capabilities raised by the MSRF will provide flexibility to meet the increased demands and a wider scope of maritime security operations, and offer greater persistence to protect Singapore's territorial waters.

At present, the MSRF will operate four Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs). These MSRVs are former Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been refurbished to extend their operational lifespan.

The vessels will be installed with a range of calibrated capabilities such as a Long Range Acoustic Device and Laser Dazzler System to allow crew to project verbal warnings and issue visual warnings; a Typhoon Mk 25mm Gun, a 76mm OTO Melara Gun and a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun; and fenders that enable the ship to come alongside vessels of interest quickly.

The crew of MSRV Guardian lining the deck. Besides a range of calibrated capabilities, the MSRVs will be installed with enhanced communications equipment and modular ballistics protection.

The first two of the MSRVs, MSRV Sentinel and MSRV Guardian, will become operational from today. Their sister ships MSRV Protector and MSRV Bastion will begin their service in the coming months.

Rounding off the fleet are two Maritime Security and Response Tugboats (MSRTs) that will assist in responding to incidents at sea and support base operations.

RADM Beng (left) presenting the letter of appointment to LTC Lee at the inauguration ceremony in RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base.

New purpose-built vessels

The MSRF will also operate purpose-built vessels when they are ready. These vessels, which are still in the early stages of concept design, are expected to be larger than the MSRVs, and be able to operate at sea for longer periods of up to a few weeks.

"As with our other navy craft, these vessels will be designed for lean manning and for modular capabilities. The new vessels will work with the Littoral Mission Vessels and Unmanned Surface Vessels to protect Singapore's territorial waters, and respond to maritime security threats," said LTC Lee.

Suggested Reading
SUITED UP FOR SUBMARINE ESCAPE TRAINING
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

Get an inside look at how the Navy drills its submariners on escape survival techniques, to prepare them for an emergency.

CYBER DEFENDERS TAKE ON NEW THREATS IN CLOUD AND AI IN NATIONAL EXERCISE
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

The third Critical Infrastructure Defence Exercise (CIDeX) brings together cyber defenders from across Singapore to face the ever-evolving challenges of digital threats. 

Cover story
WELCOME TO CAMP TILPAL
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

How do you house some 6,000 people and feed them for three months? You build a pop-up “city” – complete with accommodations and the basic comforts of home – for the thousands of SAF soldiers who train annually in Queensland, Australia.

Cover story
FIGHTING AS ONE AT EXERCISE TRIDENT
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

Singapore’s army, navy and air force work together with Australian troops to capture targets in both jungle and urban warfare.

Cover story
THEY LIFT UP OUR BIG GUNS
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

Get up close with the men and machines of 24th Battalion, Singapore Artillery (24 SA), who provide a boost to our gunners to make sure they are always on time and on target.

COMMAND & STAFF COLLEGE GRADUANDS READY TO TAKE ON SENIOR LEADERSHIP ROLES
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

1
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE & BROTHERHOOD
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

NS has left indelible memories for these SAF pioneers from the 8th Engineers Officer Cadet batch, who celebrate their 50th anniversary since they were commissioned in 1974.

Super Puma flight tales
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

Retired helicopter pilot MAJ (Ret) Robert Tan was among the first few batches of locally-trained Super Puma pilots. Sports car or smooth bus – guess which vehicle he likens the aircraft to?

Total Defence is a duty of every Singapore business
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

Having experienced the demanding commitments of National Service, LTC (NS) Suhaimi Zainul-Abidin and Mr Gaurav Keerthi share why it’s so important for every Singapore business to support their NSmen.

Feature
He scaled a volcano with OCS mates & wrote a book about NS
OPS & TRAINING
26 Jan 2021

LTC (NS) Leow Kah Shin and his NS buddies go on an annual “Exercise Longwalk” as a commitment to do something adventurous together.