The Fearless-class patrol vessels were built by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) in the 1990s. Four remain in service with the RSN as modified Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels (MSRVs), while derivatives of the type are also in service in the navies of Brunei, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Development
The Fearless-class patrol vessels were ordered as replacements for the earlier Swift-class coastal patrol craft after they had been transferred to the Police Coast Guard. The contract was awarded to ST Marine on 27 February 1993.
Design and construction
The patrol vessel is powered by two MTU 12V 595 TE 90 diesel engines coupled to ZF gear boxes. It is equipped with an MTU ship control monitoring and management system (SCMMS). In a departure from traditional conventional drives, the patrol vessel is fitted with twin waterjet systems developed by Kamewa of Sweden. The patrol vessel’s main gun, installed on the bow deck, is the OTO Melara 76 mm Super Rapide. The patrol vessels are also armed with four CIS 50 12.7mm machine guns. The air defence system is the Simbad twin missile launcher for the Mistral surface-to-air missile. The first six vessels of the class were fitted for anti-submarine warfare, and are additionally armed with triple tube 324mm B515 torpedo launchers from Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei S.p.A. (WASS).
Sentinel-class Maritime Security and Response Vessels
In 2021, four former Fearless-class patrol vessels were refurbished and re-inducted into service as Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV). The refurbishment plan was announced in March 2020 in response to the increase of sea robberies within the region, and foreign intrusions of Singapore territorial waters. The first two vessels, MSRV Sentinel (55) and Guardian (56), entered operational service with the RSN's Maritime Security and Response Flotilla on 26 January 2021, with the latter two, MSRV Protector (57) and Bastion (58), joining them on 20 January 2022.
In addition to refitting the vessels to extend their operational lifespan, the Sentinel-class MSRVs were fitted with a range of calibrated capabilities, including enhanced communications equipment, improved visual and audio warning systems, and modular ballistics protection on their superstructures. As part of the refit, non-lethal LRAD and laser dazzling systems were added to increase operational flexibility, while fenders were incorporated into the hull to come alongside vessels of interest. The MSRVs retain the 76mm Oto Melara naval gun that was previously in service on the Fearless-class, but have additionally been equipped with a Typhoon 25mm naval gun system at stern. For point defence, the MSRVs are also equipped with 7.62 mm machine gun positions near their bridge wings.
Operational history
Over the years, the PV fleet has participated in various maritime security missions, safeguarding Singapore's waters and deterring piracy and sea robbery, as well as search-and-rescue efforts.
On 3 January 2003, was badly damaged in a collision with a container ship in the Singapore Strait. The ship has since been stricken from the navy list.
In January 2005, 189 Squadron was transferred to the Coastal Command from the Fleet, with the 11 ships forming the 182 and 189 Squadron.
On 30 January 2013, MINDEF awarded ST Engineering a contract to design and build a new class of eight littoral mission vessels (LMVs), which progressively replaced the Fearless-class patrol vessels from 2017. The final two Fearless-class PVs, RSS Freedom and Gallant, were decommissioned in December 2020.
Exports
In April 2012, ST Marine was awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence of Oman to build four patrol vessels based on the Fearless class. The vessels were delivered as the between 2015 and 2016.
In November 2021, ST Engineering was awarded a sub-contract for design, platform equipment and technical assistance by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), which is building four Falaj 3-class Offshore Patrol Vessels based on the Fearless class for the UAE Navy.
In March 2023, the former RSS Brave and Gallant were transferred as a gift to the Royal Brunei Navy as KBD As-Siddiq and Al-Faruq.