Singapore homeports maritime security USVs at Changi Naval Base

The Republic of Singapore Navy's MARSEC USVs, seen here arriving at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base. (Republic of Singapore Navy)

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has opted to homeport its maritime security (MARSEC) unmanned surface vessels (USVs) at Changi Naval Base at the eastern end of the island.

The 16 m vessels, which the RSN refers to as MARSEC USVs, have also been inducted into a new formation known as the USV squadron, the service announced on 13 April.

The USVs were officially inducted in a homecoming ceremony, which was disclosed by the service on the same day.

“The homecoming ceremony marks a significant milestone for the assets, which will continue to undergo further operationalisation before deploying for maritime security operations in our waters,” said the RSN on an official social media channel.

The MARSEC USV is a 30 tonne vessel with an overall length of 16.9 m and a beam of 5.2 m. Propelled by water-jets, the USV can attain top speeds in excess of 25 kt with an endurance of over 36 hours.

The USV platform was designed and manufactured by Taiwanese shipbuilder Lung Teh in Su'ao. The units were then shipped to ST Engineering Electronics for further fitting-out and systems integration.

The USV's suite of sensors include a Rafael Toplite electro-optical gimbal incorporated with stereovision cameras and a laser rangefinder, a navigation radar, and collision detection equipment. Its command system is incorporated with electronic navigation charts, maritime automatic identification system (AIS), and differential Global Positioning System (DGPS).

The command system is also incorporated with an indigenously conceived collision detection and collision avoidance (CDCA) system that has been developed by the country's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Defence Science Organisation (DSO) National Laboratories.