Singapore Navy Launches Stealth Frigate

According to Xinhuanet, the Singapore Navy launched the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) fifth stealth frigate, RSS Stalwart, at the Singapore Technologies Marine shipyard. RSS Stalwart joined the RSN as the fourth locally-built frigate since the Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) started a Formidable-class frigate program a decade ago. According to the program, RSN will acquire a total of six new stealth frigates to replace its Missile Gunboats which have been in service for more than 30 years. Designed by Direction des Constructions Navales (DCN), a Frenchshipyard, the frigates are equipped with advanced sensor and weapon systems and will enable the RSN to undertake a wide spectrum of missions with their enhanced anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, according to MINDEF. The first frigate of the six, RSS Formidable, was built by DCN and launched in France in January 2004. It arrived in Singapore inJuly this year to undergo Combat Systems checkout, integration and testing, and is expected to be fully operational in 2007.