Start News Sea ST Engineering launches RSN’s first Multi-Role Combat Vessel

Victory launch (MINDEF) — Somewhat fittingly, the RSN’s first MRCV, Victory, was launched on 21 October 2025, which in most naval calendars will be marked as Trafalgar Day, commemorating the 1805 battle in which the Royal Navy’s flagship was HMS Victory. [ST Engineering]

ST Engineering launches RSN’s first Multi-Role Combat Vessel

Peter Felstead

21. October 2025

ST Engineering launched the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s first Victory-class Multi-Role Combat Vessel (MRCV), Victory, at its Benoi Yard on 21 October 2025 in a ceremony officiated by Singapore’s defence minister, Chan Chun Sing.

Victory is the first of six MRCVs to be built by ST Engineering under a contract awarded by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in 2023.

“The launch of MRCV Victory demonstrates the strength of our close collaboration,” Mervyn Tan, president of ST Engineering’s Defence & Public Security business, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Through our partnership with the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Defence Science and Technology Agency, we have set the foundation for the successful delivery of future-ready first-of-class naval platforms that will strengthen Singapore’s maritime defence.”

Measuring 150 m in length, the MRCVs intended to serve as ‘motherships’ for unmanned systems, enabling seamless operability across the air, surface and subsurface domains. Intended MRCV missions range from maritime security and surveillance to high-intensity combat operations.

A CGI of the RSN’s new Multi-Role Combat Vessel design. Victory is the first of six MRCVs to be built by ST Engineering for the RSN. [MINDEF]

Leveraging 3D modelling and digital twinning, the MRCV design was tested and refined virtually before actual construction began. The use of virtualisation technologies reduced the need for costly physical prototypes, minimised design rework, cut down material waste and shortened the delivery time. ST Engineering asserts that this model-based approach to the development of the Victory-class MRCV “has set a new engineering benchmark in the design of advanced naval vessels”.

Following its launch Victory is being transferred from Benoi Yard to Gul Yard, where it will undergo further outfitting, integration and sea trials. ST Engineering is on track to deliver the fleet of MRCVs to the RSN progressively from 2028 onwards.

ST Engineering continues to invest in the automation and transformation of its two shipyards into an integrated smart hub.

“With smart yard management systems, automated panel lines, robotic welding and predictive maintenance capabilities, these enhancements will strengthen project co-ordination, improve resource allocation and drive overall productivity,” the company stated. “The expanded capacity and better infrastructure at the two yards will enable ST Engineering to take on larger and more complex projects to meet the [Singaporean armed forces’] evolving maritime defence needs.”