Thanks to long and close collaboration with the Singapore Navy and DSTA (their equivalent of FMV), in 2021 Saab once again received the trusted task to carry out the basic design for a new class of vessels. This time, the task involves a larger vessel, essentially a frigate. That is, a vessel well over 100 meters in length and with a displacement between 5,000 to 10,000 tons.
The size of the vessels is not the only challenge. They must also be equipped with a range of new capabilities and systems, many of which are not yet standard in the market. In addition to traditional weapon systems such as torpedoes and missiles for both air and sea targets, the vessels should also be able to serve as a command and control ship for unmanned vehicles. These vehicles should be able to operate in the air, on the sea, and below the surface.
In this case Saabs engineers are faced with challenges in how to create flexibility, all while maintaining the fundamental functions of the vessels in terms of endurance, protection, and effectiveness. At the same time, there is a requirement that the vessel should be operatable by a relatively small crew.
The work on the basic design is soon to be completed, and the detailed construction process will begin at the shipyard in Singapore, which will build the vessels. A total of six vessels in the new class are planned, with the first vessel in the class expected to be operational around 2030 according to publicly available information in Singapore.
Experience and Innovation
To create a flexible and future-proof vessel, both extensive experience and the ability to innovate are required. Saab’s business area Kockums has a fundamental knowledge base from over 330 years of shipbuilding. Combined with new technology from collaborations with academia, FMV, the Swedish Navy, as well as other companies and stakeholders in the naval industry, we ensure that our clients receive a design that combines a multitude of, and sometimes conflicting, requirements. In short, we are world leaders in basic design for advanced surface combat vessels.
(Saab)