The Singapore Navy’s Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates with strong air defense capabilities are truly a formidable force in Southeast Asia.
The Formidable-class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy‘s La Fayette-class frigate. The six ships form the First Flotilla of the RSN.
All 6 Formidable-class frigates have been commissioned into the Singapore Navy. Formidable-class frigate with superior stealth capabilities, powerful weapon system is considered one of the most modern frigates in Southeast Asia today.
The Formidable class frigate is a modified variant of the French La Fayette class frigate exported to the Singapore Navy. Formidable is designed according to the current stealth technology in the world.
The hull has a beveled roof on both sides to reduce the radar cross-section. The electronic system on the Formidable frigate is very modern operating on a highly automated platform, thereby reducing the workload for the crew.
The main sensor on the Formidable-class frigate is a passive electronically scanned array radar Herakles manufactured by the French corporation Thales. This radar operates in the E/F band, with a maximum reconnaissance range of 250 km. It is equipped with Thales STING EO Mk2 Fire-control radar, : Terma Electronic Scanter 2001 Navigation radar, EDO Model 980 active low frequency towed sonar (ALOFTS)
Weapon systems on the Formidable frigate include: Oto Melara 76 mm super rapid gun with a range of 16 km, up to 40 km with Vulcano guided shells. Formidable is also equipped with 32 VLS Sylver vertical launch tubes using Aster-15 interceptors with a maximum range of 30 km or Aster-30 with a maximum range of 120 km.
Secondary weapons include 4 × STK 50MG 12.7 mm (0.50 in) HMG, 2 × 25mm Mk38 Mod2 Typhoon Weapon Station Stabilised Guns. 2 For anti submarine warfare it has two B515 triple tubes with reloads for EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes
Formidable can carry eight RGM-84 Harpoon subsonic anti-ship missiles, with a maximum range of 124 km. The Harpoon missile has a combined inertial guidance and active radar terminal, the missile carries a warhead weighing 221 kg
The frigates are equipped with the Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter, an international version of the US Navy’s Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk. Each of these naval helicopters is equipped with maritime surveillance and tracking radar. The naval helicopters will be upgraded to a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and will be flown by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the Navy.
With 6 Formidable-class frigates in service, the Singapore Navy has become the navy that owns the most stealth frigates in Southeast Asia.