Singapore navy launches new Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel that can be adapted for different missions

This is the first of four offshore patrol vessels built to meet the increased demands and wider scope of maritime security operations, said Singapore's Ministry of Defence.

The Republic of Singapore Navy's new Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel launched in Berne, Germany on Oct 1, 2026. (Photo: MINDEF)

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SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has launched its first Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel that can be configured for a wide range of maritime security missions.

Christened Sentinel, it is the first of four offshore patrol vessels, which are Singapore government vessels built to meet the increased demands and wider scope of maritime security operations, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Friday (Oct 2).

The offshore patrol vessels are equipped with calibrated capabilities that allow them to respond to various maritime incidents in a measured and proportionate manner, the ministry said.

"This provides the Singapore government with more options to respond to maritime security incidents," it added.

CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less MINDEF signed a contract with German shipbuilding company Fassmer to acquire the four new vessels, which will replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs). The Sentinel-class MSRVs are refurbished ex-Fearless class patrol vessels, which were the first major warships designed and built locally to meet the navy's operational requirements. The first two MSRVs entered service in 2021. The new vessels will be progressively delivered from 2028, said the ministry, adding that the MSRVs will remain in service until the offshore patrol vessels are fully operationalised. The new offshore patrol vessels will inherit the missions of the MSRVs and provide flexibility to fulfil maritime security operations and protect Singapore’s territorial waters, said MINDEF. "They will interoperate with vessels from other government agencies such as the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for a range of maritime security missions," it added. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing officiated at the launch ceremony of the offshore patrol vessel at the Fassmer shipyard in Berne, Germany on Thursday. German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Chief of German Navy Vice Admiral Wilhelm Tobias Abry, the RSN's Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, leaders of the surrounding German municipalities, and senior defence officials from both countries also attended the ceremony. Mr Chan said: "In today’s world, we all know and we keep talking about the uncertainties that we are confronted with. "Behind all these uncertainties - and having to manage all these uncertainties, what remains unchanged is the need for us to look for partners whom we can trust, and are reliable even in the toughest of times. I am happy to say that we have that in Germany." He added that the project is a "symbol of the kind of deep relationship" between Singapore and Germany. "A ship is built in a couple of years, but the ship will stay with us for a couple of decades, and throughout the couple of decades, it is that constant interaction between the people and the navies that makes this special," said Mr Chan.

MINDEF signed a contract with German shipbuilding company Fassmer to acquire the four new vessels, which will replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs).

The Sentinel-class MSRVs are refurbished ex-Fearless class patrol vessels, which were the first major warships designed and built locally to meet the navy's operational requirements. The first two MSRVs entered service in 2021.

The new vessels will be progressively delivered from 2028, said the ministry, adding that the MSRVs will remain in service until the offshore patrol vessels are fully operationalised.

The new offshore patrol vessels will inherit the missions of the MSRVs and provide flexibility to fulfil maritime security operations and protect Singapore’s territorial waters, said MINDEF.

"They will interoperate with vessels from other government agencies such as the Police Coast Guard and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for a range of maritime security missions," it added.

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing officiated at the launch ceremony of the offshore patrol vessel at the Fassmer shipyard in Berne, Germany on Thursday.

German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Chief of German Navy Vice Admiral Wilhelm Tobias Abry, the RSN's Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, leaders of the surrounding German municipalities, and senior defence officials from both countries also attended the ceremony.

Mr Chan said: "In today’s world, we all know and we keep talking about the uncertainties that we are confronted with.

"Behind all these uncertainties - and having to manage all these uncertainties, what remains unchanged is the need for us to look for partners whom we can trust, and are reliable even in the toughest of times. I am happy to say that we have that in Germany."

He added that the project is a "symbol of the kind of deep relationship" between Singapore and Germany.

"A ship is built in a couple of years, but the ship will stay with us for a couple of decades, and throughout the couple of decades, it is that constant interaction between the people and the navies that makes this special," said Mr Chan.

Following the launch, Sentinel will undergo a series of platform acceptance and sea trials to validate the ship’s systems and performance before departing for Singapore, said MINDEF.

The remaining three offshore patrol vessels – Guardian, Protector and Bastion – are under construction, the ministry said.

WHAT THE NEW VESSELS CAN DO

The new vessels are larger than the MSRVs and are designed for greater endurance. They also have high manoeuvrability to operate effectively in Singapore's congested maritime environment.

With manpower-efficient features and modular capabilities, the offshore patrol vessels can be configured to respond to evolving threats over time, said MINDEF.

The offshore patrol vessels have white hulls with red racing stripes, in line with vessels operated by maritime security agencies around the world. They will fly the state marine ensign, which is used for government-owned or operated vessels on government non-commercial service.

These offshore patrol vessels can be configured for a range of maritime security missions, and this modular approach ensures that they can be adapted to meet evolving mission requirements over time.

They are also capable of launching both manned and unmanned craft. The vessels are equipped with a stern-launch and recovery system that allows for safe, controlled and efficient launch and recovery of craft from the stern, even in challenging sea conditions.

The system also reduces handling time and crew exposure, said MINDEF.

The launch of Singapore's first Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel on Oct 1, 2026. (Photo: MINDEF)

The offshore patrol vessels' bows are fitted with fenders that allow them to quickly go alongside other vessels, protecting both vessels during contact and manoeuvring.

Key operational spaces of the vessels are fitted with ballistic protection to ensure the crew's safety during operations.

A combined diesel-electric or diesel propulsion system gives the vessels flexibility to balance fuel efficiency and speed according to operational needs.

They can operate efficiently at lower speeds for long-duration patrols, or at high speeds when rapid response is required.

"This allows the offshore patrol vessels to maximise endurance without compromising (their) ability to respond quickly," said the defence ministry.

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing at the launch of Singapore's first Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, Oct 1, 2026. (Photo: MINDEF)

Each vessel has a displacement of 2,700 tonnes and measures 94.85m long and 15.2m wide, with a baseline crew of about 40 members.

It can travel in excess of 23 knots, or slightly over 42kmh, and has an endurance of more than 4,000 nautical miles – the maximum distance it can operate without refuelling or resupply.

The offshore patrol vessels are also equipped with weapons, namely the STRALES 76mm guided gun and the RAFAEL 30mm remotely-controlled weapon system, as well as sensors such as navigation and fire control radars and 360-degree navigation cameras.

They will also come with the Sitep Italia laser dazzler and acoustic hailing device, a less-lethal grenade launcher and a water cannon system.

"The launch of Sentinel is testament to the strong and substantive defence ties between Singapore and Germany," said MINDEF.

"Bilateral defence relations have strengthened with the signing of the enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2018."

The agreement underpins bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as submarine training, defence technology and cyber defence.

Both defence establishments also cooperate and interact widely through high-level visits and dialogues, military exchanges, cross-attendance of professional courses, and technology collaboration, said MINDEF.

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新加坡国防部表示，这是为满足日益增长的海上安全行动需求和更广泛的范围而建造的四艘近海巡逻舰中的第一艘。

新加坡共和国海军新型“哨兵”级近海巡逻舰于2026年10月1日在德国伯尔尼下水。（图片：新加坡国防部）

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新加坡：新加坡共和国海军（RSN）已下水其首艘哨兵级近海巡逻舰，该舰可配置用于执行各种海上安全任务。

国防部（MINDEF）周五（10月2日）表示，这艘被命名为“哨兵”号的舰艇是四艘近海巡逻舰中的第一艘，这些舰艇是新加坡政府建造的，旨在满足日益增长的海上安全行动需求和更广泛的范围。

该部表示，近海巡逻舰配备了经过校准的能力，使其能够以审慎和适度的方式应对各种海上事件。

“这为新加坡政府应对海上安全事件提供了更多选择，”声明补充道。

CNA游戏 猜词游戏 逐行破解单词 流行词游戏 用给定的字母组成单词 迷你数独 小谜题，大脑筋急转弯 迷你填字游戏 小方格，大挑战 单词搜索 尽可能多地找出单词 显示更多 显示更少 国防部与德国造船公司法斯默签署合同，采购四艘新舰艇，以取代现有的“哨兵”级海上安全与响应舰（MSRV）。“哨兵”级海上安全与响应舰由原“无畏”级巡逻舰翻新而成，后者是首批为满足海军作战需求而自主设计建造的大型军舰。首批两艘海上安全与响应舰已于2021年服役。国防部表示，新舰艇将从2028年开始陆续交付，并补充说，在近海巡逻舰全面投入使用之前，现有的海上安全与响应舰将继续服役。新加坡国防部表示，新型近海巡逻舰将继承海上巡逻艇（MSRV）的任务，并具备执行海上安全行动和保护新加坡领海的灵活性。国防部补充道：“这些巡逻舰将与新加坡警察海岸卫队和海事及港务管理局等其他政府机构的舰艇协同作战，执行一系列海上安全任务。”周四，国防部长陈振声在德国伯尔尼的法斯默造船厂主持了近海巡逻舰的下水仪式。德国联邦国防部长鲍里斯·皮斯托瑞斯、德国海军司令威廉·托比亚斯·阿布里海军中将、新加坡海军司令肖恩·瓦特海军少将、周边德国市政当局的领导人以及两国高级国防官员也出席了仪式。陈先生表示：“在当今世界，我们都深知并不断谈论着我们所面临的种种不确定性。在所有这些不确定性背后——以及我们必须应对所有这些不确定性——不变的是，我们需要寻找值得信赖、即使在最艰难的时期也可靠的合作伙伴。我很高兴地说，我们在德国找到了这样的合作伙伴。” 他补充说，该项目象征着新加坡和德国之间“深厚的友谊”。陈先生说：“一艘船的建造需要几年时间，但它将与我们并肩作战数十年，在这数十年间，正是两国人民和海军之间持续不断的互动，才使这个项目如此特别。”

国防部与德国造船公司法斯默签署合同，采购四艘新船，这些新船将取代现有的哨兵级海上安全和响应船（MSRV）。

“哨兵”级多用途支援舰（MSRV）是由原“无畏”级巡逻舰改装而来，后者是首批根据海军作战需求自主设计建造的大型军舰。首批两艘MSRV于2021年服役。

该部表示，新舰艇将从 2028 年开始逐步交付，并补充说，海上巡逻艇将继续服役，直到近海巡逻舰全面投入使用。

国防部表示，新型近海巡逻舰将继承海上安全巡逻艇的任务，并能灵活地执行海上安全行动，保护新加坡的领海。

声明还补充说：“他们将与新加坡警察海岸卫队和海事及港务管理局等其他政府机构的船只进行合作，执行一系列海上安全任务。”

周四，国防部长陈振声在德国伯尔尼的法斯默造船厂主持了近海巡逻舰的下水仪式。

德国联邦国防部长鲍里斯·皮斯托里乌斯、德国海军司令威廉·托比亚斯·阿布里海军中将、俄罗斯海军司令肖恩·瓦特海军少将、周边德国市政当局的领导人以及两国高级国防官员也出席了仪式。

陈先生说：“在当今世界，我们都知道，而且我们也一直在谈论我们所面临的不确定性。

“在所有这些不确定因素背后——以及我们必须应对所有这些不确定因素——不变的是，我们需要寻找值得信赖、即使在最艰难的时期也可靠的合作伙伴。我很高兴地说，我们在德国就拥有这样的合作伙伴。”

他还补充说，该项目是新加坡和德国之间“深厚关系的象征”。

“一艘船造起来只需要几年时间，但它将陪伴我们几十年，在这几十年里，正是人民与海军之间的持续互动，才使它变得特别，”陈先生说。

新加坡国防部表示，下水后，“哨兵”号将进行一系列平台验收和海上试验，以验证该舰的系统和性能，然后启程前往新加坡。

该部表示，其余三艘近海巡逻舰——“守护者”号、“保护者”号和“堡垒”号——正在建造中。

新船能做什么

这些新型舰艇比多用途支援船更大，设计上也考虑到了更长的续航能力。它们还具有很高的机动性，能够在新加坡拥挤的海域环境中有效作业。

新加坡国防部表示，这些近海巡逻舰艇具备高效利用人力和模块化功能，可以根据需要进行配置，以应对不断变化的威胁。

这些近海巡逻舰船船体为白色，并带有红色条纹，与世界各地海上安全机构使用的舰船一致。它们将悬挂国家海事旗，该旗帜用于政府所有或运营的、执行政府非商业服务的船舶。

这些近海巡逻舰可以配置用于各种海上安全任务，这种模块化方法确保它们可以随着时间的推移进行调整，以满足不断变化的任务需求。

它们还能够投放载人和无人艇。这些舰艇配备了尾部投放和回收系统，即使在恶劣海况下，也能安全、可控、高效地从船尾投放和回收艇只。

国防部表示，该系统还能减少操作时间和船员暴露风险。

新加坡首艘“哨兵”级近海巡逻舰于2026年10月1日下水。（图片：新加坡国防部）

近海巡逻舰的船首装有护舷，使其能够快速与其他船只并排航行，在接触和机动过程中保护双方船只。

舰艇的关键作业空间均配备了弹道防护装置，以确保船员在作业期间的安全。

柴油电力联合推进系统或柴油推进系统使船舶能够根据运营需要灵活地平衡燃油效率和航速。

它们可以以较低的速度高效地进行长时间巡逻，也可以在需要快速反应时以高速运行。

国防部表示：“这使得近海巡逻舰能够在不影响快速反应能力的前提下，最大限度地提高续航能力。”

2026年10月1日，国防部长陈振声出席新加坡首艘“哨兵”级近海巡逻舰下水仪式。（图片：新加坡国防部）

每艘船的排水量为 2,700 吨，长 94.85 米，宽 15.2 米，基本船员人数约为 40 人。

它的航速可以超过 23 节，也就是略高于 42 公里/小时，续航里程超过 4000 海里——这是它在不加油或补给的情况下可以运行的最大距离。

近海巡逻舰还配备了武器，即 STRALES 76 毫米制导炮和 RAFAEL 30 毫米遥控武器系统，以及导航和火控雷达、360 度导航摄像机等传感器。

它们还将配备 Sitep Italia 激光眩目器和声波呼叫装置、非致命性榴弹发射器和水炮系统。

“哨兵导弹系统的启用证明了新加坡和德国之间牢固而实质性的防务关系，”新加坡国防部表示。

“随着2018年《加强防务合作协议》的签署，双边防务关系得到加强。”

该协议巩固了双边在共同感兴趣的领域（如潜艇训练、国防技术和网络防御）的防务合作。

国防部表示，两国国防机构还通过高层互访和对话、军事交流、共同参加专业课程和技术合作等方式进行广泛的合作与互动。

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