Singapore frigate fires Aster missiles at two targets simultaneously

The RSS Stalwart is seen here during its firing of two Aster missiles at ‘RIMPAC'. (Ministry of Defence, Singapore)

A Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) frigate has carried out a simultaneous firing of two Aster surface-to-air missiles at two separate targets, marking a new capability milestone for the service.

This milestone was achieved by the RSN's fifth Formidable-class frigate, RSS Stalwart, during the ongoing ‘Rim of the Pacific' (‘RIMPAC') naval exercises, the service announced in a 15 July statement on its official social media page.

These US-hosted multinational exercises are being carried out in and around the waters of Hawaii.

“As part of the exercise sea phase yesterday, RSS Stalwart successfully fired two Aster surface-to-air live missiles against two simultaneous high-speed sea-skimming aerial drones, which were used to simulate inbound missiles,” the statement reads.

Stalwart is one of six Formidable-class frigates operated by the RSN. Its weapon systems include a 32-cell vertical launching system (VLS) that can deploy the Aster 15 anti-air missile, which can intercept targets at distances of up to 3 km.

Besides the Aster 15, the Formidable class is also armed with a 76 mm naval gun in the primary position, two Rafael Typhoon 25 mm gun systems, six 324 mm torpedo tubes, and launchers for the RGM-84F Harpoon anti-ship missile.

However, Singapore has begun a process to progressively replace the Harpoon missiles on these frigates with the Blue Spear anti-surface weapon.

Besides the firing of the Aster missiles, Stalwart has also taken part in cross-deck landing drills with a US Navy MH-60R helicopter and a multinational visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drill as part of the ‘RIMPAC' series of exercises.