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02 Oct 2026
The first Sentinel-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) was officially launched on 1 October 2026. The ceremony was officiated by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing, who attended as Guest-of-Honour in Berne, Germany.
Photo: MINDEF
In his speech, Defence Minister Chan shared about the partnership between Singapore and Germany, adding that “we will never be able to design a ship that can cater for all the trips in the next 30 years, upfront, but we can certainly design a ship with the capabilities and the capacity to keep adding new capabilities as we go on.”
As the overall capability lead, the DSTA team worked closely with the RSN and shipbuilder Fassmer to conceptualise and oversee the vessel’s design, construction, systems integration, testing, and delivery. This includes bridging the gap between the reference ship design and the RSN’s specific operational requirements, ensuring the vessel is fit for Singapore’s maritime environment.
Photo: RSN
Key features incorporated into the Sentinel-class OPVs include advanced automation, technology and modular capabilities. Programme Director (Naval Systems) Ham Wan Ling, who has been involved in the project from its onset, shared: “Much like a Swiss Army knife, these capabilities enable the vessel to operate with greater operational flexibility and smaller crew size to meet dynamic needs of modern maritime security.” She added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see years of engineering and collaboration come to life with the capabilities that will strengthen Singapore’s maritime security.”
The Sentinel-class OPVs will progressively replace the existing Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs), with deliveries beginning from 2028 onwards.
