Singapore Navy to Deploy USV for Maritime Security by End-2021

02 Maret 2021

RSN unmanned surface vessels (USV) for maritime security (all photos : Channel News Asia)

Navy could deploy unmanned maritime security ships that can self-navigate, avoid obstacles by end-2021

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) could deploy four unmanned surface vessels (USV) for maritime security by the end of this year, depending on the progress of final sea trials.

Once operational, the USVs will conduct round-the-clock patrols, investigate, as well as intercept suspicious vessels in Singapore waters. They are equipped with long-range loudhailers, strobe and search lights, as well as a 12.7mm gun. 

They also come with advanced navigation and anti-collision systems to avoid obstacles and move fully autonomously in the congested waters of the Singapore Strait. The USV is not limited by a communications range, meaning it can technically be operated from anywhere.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said in a factsheet on Monday (Mar 1) that two crew members will operate a USV from shore, with a “user-centric” mission control system to quickly plan and execute patrol profiles, track vessels of interest and warn or query vessels.

This comes as the RSN looks to tackle evolving threats like maritime terrorism and piracy, and operate with leaner manpower amid a shrinking pool of national servicemen. Unmanned vessels also allow the potentially dangerous missions at sea to be conducted more safely.

MINDEF first announced the new USVs in 2018, stating then that they would allow larger, manned warships like the littoral mission vessels (LMV) to be deployed more strategically for other missions and at further ranges from Singapore.

The RSN already operates several unmanned vessels, including a similarly designed USV for clearing mines and a smaller USV for maritime surveillance and to protect larger warships. The latter USV is not fully autonomous as it is remotely controlled.

The RSN has acquired four of the new USVs for sea trials that are expected to be completed by the end of this year, said USV Squadron commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Desmond Ng in a media showcase at Changi Naval Base on Feb 24.

These unmanned trials will involve integrating systems and testing operational concepts, like how the USVs will investigate or chase suspicious vessels. If things go to plan, they could be deployed in actual operations by the end of the year or early next year, LTC Ng said.

As for whether the RSN could get more USVs in the future, LTC Ng did not want to comment, saying: “We are still going through the operationalisation process.”

The USVs are expected to work alongside manned vessels to “enhance the RSN’s ability to monitor and respond to situations at sea”, MINDEF said. They could also be deployed with the RSN’s newly inaugurated maritime security and response vessels.

LTC Ng said there will always be a USV on patrol rotation, given that each vessel can stay out at sea for up to 36 hours. “I will always have a USV on the strait, as compared to an LMV which may not always be there 24/7,” he said.

See full article Channel News Asia