Moving Forward with Fortitude

26 Mar 2018

Carrying out maritime security operations and safeguarding Singapore’s sea lines of communication – that’s what the Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) are designed to do. Fortitude, the sixth LMV was launched on 24 March 2018, marking another milestone in the LMV programme managed by DSTA.

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Minister for Educations (Schools) and Second Minister for Transport Mr Ng Chee Meng officiated the ceremony, accompanied by his wife Mrs Michelle Ng who launched the vessel.

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In his speech, he highlighted the importance of securing our sea lines of communications and keeping Singapore’s territorial and regional waterways safe in order for us to continue thriving as a maritime nation.

He added: “Fortitude captures the essence, attributes and ideals of our founding generation who overcame many obstacles and succeeded. It is a timeless reminder to all of us, to our Navy and future generations, that we must have the gumption and perseverance to pursue a better tomorrow, regardless of the challenges that we may face ahead.”

As the overall programme manager and systems integrator for the LMV programme, the DSTA team validated the concept of the Integrated Command Centre and integrated components and systems from different manufacturers to function as one integrated suite, achieving lean manning and effective inter-systems communications.

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Engineer (Naval Systems) Lim Yu Zheng shared: “Witnessing the launch of the warship that we work on feels both surreal and exciting. Knowing that it will eventually go on to play an important role in safeguarding our nation’s security gives me an added sense of purpose in doing what I do.”

Following the launch, Fortitude will commence outfitting works and undergo harbour and sea trials. It is expected to be fully operational by July 2019.

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