Sentinel-class patrol vessel
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Sentinel-class |
| Builders |
|
| Operators |  Republic of Singapore Navy |
| Preceded by | Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels |
| Built | 2024–present |
| Building | 4 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Offshore patrol vessel |
| Displacement | 2,700 tonnes (2,660 long tons; 2,980 short tons) |
| Length | 94.85 m (311 ft 2 in) |
| Beam | 15.2 m (49 ft 10 in) |
| Propulsion | Combined diesel-electric or diesel (CODLOD) |
| Speed | In excess of 23 knots (42.6 km/h; 26.5 mph) |
| Range | >4,000 nautical miles (7,410 km) |
| Complement | 40 |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Armament |
|
| Aviation facilities | Helicopter deck |
| Notes | Sources: [1][2][3] |
The Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) is a class of four ships being constructed for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), which will succeed the Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels. The OPVs are scheduled to be delivered progressively to the RSN from 2028. German firm Fassmer will develop the class, while Western Baltic Shipyard will build the ships, before Fassmer commences the fitting out process.
Planning and acquisition
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The Republic of Singapore Navy began operating the Fearless-class patrol vessel in 1996, eventually decommissioning the final units in December 2020.[4] In response to a spike in piracy within the Singapore Strait, it was announced in March 2020 that new purpose-built vessels would be acquired.[5] As an interim measure, four Fearless-class were refurbished and recommissioned as Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV), with two units entering service in 2021 and the remaining two in 2022.[6]
As of 2021, the new class was in the early design phase to replace the MSRVs.[7][8] ST Engineering, Luerssen, and Fassmer were the bidders for the contract for the new class of offshore patrol vessels.[9] The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced the signing of a contract with Fassmer on 20 November 2023 for the purchase of four ships. Fassmer will develop the new class based on the existing OPV 80 Potsdam-class design serving in the German Federal Coast Guard.[10]
The ships are being built by Western Baltic Shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania, and will be fitted out by Fassmer in Berne, Germany.[2] The class is planned for phased delivery from 2028 onwards.[11]
Design and construction
[edit]The steel cutting ceremony of all four ships was held in the Western Baltic Shipyard on 11 October 2024.[1] Subsequently, the first two OPVs had their keels laid on 7 April 2025.[2][12] The first-of-class was launched on 1 October 2026 in Berne, Germany, and christened Sentinel.[3][13]
Capabilities
[edit]MINDEF intends for the Sentinel-class to carry out maritime security operations within Singapore territorial waters. They are painted white with red racing stripes similar to other maritime security vessels worldwide, and will fly the state marine ensign designating them as a government-owned/operated vessel.[3]
The class is equipped with a combined diesel electric or diesel propulsion system, which optimizes fuel consumption when switching between routine patrols and rapid response. Ballistic protection is installed in critical operational areas. Different mission containers can be installed depending on mission requirements.[14] A launch and recovery system for small boats is located at the stern. Fenders are installed on the hull to protect the ship during alongside operations with other vessels.[3]
Armaments
[edit]The main gun of the class is the STRALES 76mm Guided Gun, developed by Leonardo, and the secondary gun armament is the RAFAEL 30mm remotely-controlled weapon system. Water cannons and a less lethal grenade launcher are also installed to allow for proportional responses to lower level threats.[14]
Sensors
[edit]Italian firm Sitep Italia will provide the multirole acoustic stabilized system as part of the OPV's non-lethal suite.[15]
Ships in class
[edit]The ships will adopt the names of the Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels.[16]
| Ship | Pennant number | Steel cut | Keel laid | Launched | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentinel | 26 | 11 Oct 2024[1] | 7 Apr 2025[2] | 1 Oct 2026[3] | Sea trials / Fitting out | |
| Guardian | 27 | Under construction | ||||
| Protector | 28 | Under construction | ||||
| Bastion | 29 | Under construction | ||||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 Natasha Ganesan (2 October 2026). "Singapore navy launches new Sentinel-class offshore patrol vessel that can be adapted for different missions". CNA. Archived from the original on 2 October 2026. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- ↑ Lim, Min Zhang (11 December 2020). "Pioneer RSN sailor shares memories as last two patrol vessels are decommissioned". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Ridzwan Rahmat (3 March 2020). "Singapore to procure new vessels for Maritime Security Task Force". Janes. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ "Singapore Navy commissions Last 2 Sentinel-class Maritime Security Vessels". Naval News. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Lim, Min Zhang (27 January 2021). "Refurbished patrol vessels part of new navy flotilla". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 16 March 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "Fact Sheet: New Maritime Security and Response Flotilla to Enhance Maritime Security". Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 9 December 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Yeo, Mike (23 November 2023). "Singapore selects Fassmer OPVs". Australian Defence Magazine. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "MINDEF Signs Contract with Fr. Fassmer GmbH & Co. KG (Fassmer) To Acquire Offshore Patrol Vessels". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Lee, Albert (20 November 2023). "Singapore Orders Four Fassmer Offshore Patrol Vessels". Naval News. Archived from the original on 17 February 2026. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ Ridzwan Rahmat (8 April 2025). "Lithuania shipyard lays keel for Singapore's first maritime security OPVs". Janes. Archived from the original on 9 April 2025. Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ Ozberk, Tayfun (2 October 2026). "Singapore Launches First Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel in Germany". Naval News. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- 1 2 Devaraj, Samuel (2 October 2026). "Singapore navy launches new patrol vessel that can combat unmanned threats". The Straits Times. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- ↑ Ridzwan Rahmat (7 May 2025). "IMDEX 2025: Singapore selects Italian non-lethal weapon for new OPVs, MRCVs". Janes. Archived from the original on 20 May 2025. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ↑ "Fact Sheet: Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)". Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
