The 6 Formidable-class frigates have been in operation since 2008, making them become a force with the most frigates in the region.
With 6 Formidable-class frigates in service, the Singapore Navy has become the navy with the most stealth frigates in Southeast Asia. The Formidable is a class of multi-role stealth frigates. These are the latest surface ships to enter service with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and are a further modernized development on the basis of the French Navy’s La Fayette-class frigates.
The 6 Formidable-class frigates have been in operation since 2008, making them become a force with the most frigates in the region. The design is a smaller derivative of the French La Fayette Class stealth frigate with low radar, acoustic, infrared and electromagnetic signatures. Radar cross section reduction features have been incorporated into the Formidable class design, with a significantly reduced profile than the La Fayette class and her other derivatives.
A high level of automation and closely integrated combat management systems have been selected to allow the frigate to be operated with a crew of just 70. The overall length is 114.8m with a beam of 16.3m and draught of 6.0m. The full load displacement is 3,200t.
The frigate is powered by four MTU 20V8000 diesel engines in a combined diesel and diesel configuration, outputting 12,200 horsepower each and 4 ISM V1708 diesel generators of 1,150 horsepower each. Maximum speed in ideal conditions reaches 27 knots and range is out to 4,200 nautical miles. In the stern area there is a flight deck and hangar for up to two S-70B Seahawk multi-mission capable naval helicopter. The hangar is fully equipped with helicopter support and maintenance systems.
Formidable-class is equipped with the Thales Herakles passive electronically scanned array multi-function radar, which serves as the main surveillance radar of the frigate in a range of up to 250km. Other radars included Thales STING EO Mk2 Fire control radar, Navigation radar is Terma Electronic Scanter 2001. The radar, installed in a radome on top of the main mast, carries out long-range air and surface surveillance and weapon control.
The vessel’s electronic support measures system is the Rafael C-PEARL-M radar. Three Sagem Défense Sécurité new-generation Dagaie systems are fitted. Two Leonardo Finmeccanica Morpheus anti-torpedo suite with WASS C310 launchers, are mounted on the aft of the ship.
The frigates are equipped with a powerful firepower system with Boeing Harpoon missiles and Oto Melara 76mm guns for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of 130 km and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a 227kg warhead. There is space for as many as 24 Harpoon missiles at the center of ship making it the most well armed ship of its class. For anti-submarine, the frigates are equipped with 2 B515 triple tubes for EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes. There is DCNS Sylver vertical launch system with MBDA Aster 15 surface-to-air missiles, and four eight-cell SYLVER A43 launch modules with 32 missiles.
In general, the Singapore’s Formidable class frigate has superior stealth capabilities, a strong firepower system, and is rated by military experts as one of the most powerful warships in Southeast Asia.
