View source for Formidable-class frigate

{{short description|Frigate class of the Republic of Singapore Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
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{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = [[File:Singapore Navy guided-missile frigate RSS Steadfast.jpg|300px|RSS ''Steadfast'' in 2008]]
| Ship caption = RSS ''Steadfast'' in 2008
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| Name = ''Formidable'' class
| Builders = {{ubl|[[DCNS (company)|DCNS]], [[Lorient]]|[[ST Engineering|ST Engineering (Marine)]], [[Benoi]]}}
| Operators = {{navy|Singapore}}
| Built range = 2002–2009
| In commission range = 2007–present
| In service range = 
| Total ships completed = 6
| Total ships active = 6
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Ship type = [[Frigate]]
| Ship displacement = {{convert|3200|t|sigfig=3}}
| Ship length = {{convert|114.8|m|ftin|sigfig=3|abbr=on}}
| Ship beam = {{convert|16.3|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
| Ship draught = {{convert|6.0|m|ftin|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
| Ship power = *4 × [[Isotta Fraschini|ISM V1708]] [[diesel generator]]s, each producing {{convert|860|kW|shp|lk=on|sigfig=3}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.diesel-spec.com/c/c.aspx/ISO001/productspecs|title=Isotta Fraschini Motori S.p.A. engines specs|website=Diesel-Specs|access-date=22 April 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710123612/http://www.diesel-spec.com/c/c.aspx/ISO001/productspecs|archive-date=10 July 2011}}</ref>
*Total output: {{convert|3440|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
| Ship propulsion = *[[Combined diesel and diesel]] (CODAD) arrangement
*4 × [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 20V 8000 M90, each rated at {{convert|9100|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtu-online.com/mtu/products/diesel-engines-overview/general-purpose-diesel-engines/8000/|title=MTU Series 8000|website=MTU-online|access-date=23 November 2010|archive-date=29 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929155323/http://www.mtu-online.com/mtu/products/diesel-engines-overview/general-purpose-diesel-engines/8000/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*Total output: {{convert|36400|kW|shp|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
| Ship sail plan = 
| Ship speed = *Maximum: {{convert|27|kn|lk=in|sigfig=3}}
*Cruising: {{convert|18|kn|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}
| Ship range = {{convert|4200|nmi|km|lk=in|sigfig=3}}
| Ship complement = 71, excluding air crew detachment of approx. 19
| Ship sensors = *'''Search radar''': [[Herakles (radar)|Thales Herakles]] multi-function [[Passive electronically scanned array]] radar
*'''Fire-control radar:''' [[Thales Group|Thales]] STING EO Mk2
*'''Navigation radar''': [[Terma A/S|Terma Electronic]] Scanter 2001
*'''Sonar''': [[EDO Corporation|EDO]] Model 980 active low frequency towed sonar (ALOFTS)
| Ship EW = *'''ESM''': [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|RAFAEL]] C-PEARL-M
*'''Decoys''': [[Safran|Sagem Défense Sécurité]] New Generation Dagaie System, 2 × forward & 1 × aft. 
* Leonardo Finmeccanica Morpheus anti-torpedo suite with WASS C310 launchers, 2 x aft
| Ship armament = *'''Anti-ship''': 8(Up to 24) × [[Harpoon (missile)|RGM-84C Harpoon SSM]]
*'''Anti-air''': 2 × [[Sylver (missile launcher)|Sylver A50 8-cell VLS]] for [[Aster (missile family)|MBDA Aster 15/30]], 2 × [[Sylver (missile launcher)|Sylver A43 8-cell VLS]] for [[Aster (missile family)|MBDA Aster 15]]<ref>{{cite book |last=Wertheim |first=Eric |date=2013 |title=The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World |edition=16th |url=https://www.usni.org/store/books/fighting-ships/aircraft-carriers/naval-institute-guide-combat-fleets-world-16th-edition |location=Annapolis, Maryland |publisher=Naval Institute Press |page=657 |access-date=19 July 2017 |archive-date=17 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817065252/https://www.usni.org/store/books/fighting-ships/aircraft-carriers/naval-institute-guide-combat-fleets-world-16th-edition |url-status=live }}</ref>
*'''Anti-submarine''': 2 × B515 triple tubes with reloads for [[EuroTorp]] [[A244-S|A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes]]
*'''Guns''': [[Otobreda 76 mm|Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun]] (mounted in stealth cupola), 4 × [[STK 50MG]] {{convert|12.7|mm|in|abbr=on}} [[Heavy machine gun|HMG]], 2 × 25mm [[Mark 38 25 mm Machine Gun System|Mk 38]] Mod2 [[Typhoon Weapon Station]] Stabilised Gun
*'''Non-lethal:''' Long-Range Acoustic Device 500 Xtreme (LRAD500X)
| Ship aircraft = 1 × [[Sikorsky S-70#S-70|S-70B Seahawk]] multi-mission capable naval helicopter
| Ship aircraft facilities = [[Flight deck]] and enclosed [[hangar]] for up to two medium-lift helicopters
| Ship notes = Sources:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/vessels.html |title=Republic of Singapore Navy - Naval Assets |date=15 March 2010 |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] (MINDEF) |access-date=22 April 2010 |archive-date=6 July 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706093445/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/vessels.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Frigate>{{cite web |url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/capabilities.asp |title=Capabilities of the Frigate |website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]] |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=26 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626044929/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/capabilities.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}
|}

The '''''Formidable''-class''' multi-role [[Stealth ship|stealth frigates]]  are multi-mission derivatives of the [[French Navy]]'s {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate}} in service with the [[Republic of Singapore Navy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Formidable Frigate |work=DCNS |url=http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/formidable.html |access-date=2007-05-28 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070513074135/http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/formidable.html|archive-date = 2007-05-13}}</ref> The six ships form the First Flotilla of the Navy.

==Planning and acquisition==
The search for a replacement for the aging ''Sea Wolf''-class missile gunboats, which entered into service in 1972, started in the mid-1990s. The United States, Sweden and France participated in the bid for the contract.<ref>{{cite news |first=Tay |last=Joo Lin |title=Formidable Voyage to Deliver First Stealth Frigate |newspaper=The Straits Times |date=2007-05-26}}</ref> In March 2000, the Singapore [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] awarded the contract to [[DCNS (company)|DCNS]] for the design and construction of six frigates. A key feature of the contract was the [[technology transfer]] arrangement. Under the arrangement, DCNS was to design and build the first frigate in its [[Lorient]] yard in France while the remaining five frigates were to be built locally by Singapore Technologies (ST) Marine at its [[Benoi]] yard in Singapore. Subsequent maintenance and mid-life retrofit will be done by ST Marine.

Construction of ''Formidable'' began in late 2002, when the keel was laid down in Lorient in November 2002.

==Design and construction==
[[Radar cross section]] (RCS) reduction features have been incorporated into the ''Formidable'' class design, with inclined hull sides and bulwarks as well as concealment of ship boats and replenishment-at-sea equipment behind low-RCS curtains. The ''Formidable'' class have a significantly reduced profile than the ''La Fayette'' class and its other derivatives,<ref>{{cite web|title=DCNS - European Leader in Naval Defence|work=DCNS|url=http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927025938/http://www.dcns.fr/us/medias/docs/DP_Institutionnel2006_UK.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-27}}</ref> due to the smaller superstructure and the use of enclosed sensor mast technology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Surface Forces |work=Strategy Page |url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |access-date=2007-05-29 |archive-date=18 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070818104749/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsurf/articles/20040116.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> The frigate is also constructed entirely of steel, unlike the ''La Fayette'' class which makes extensive use of weight-saving composite structures in its aft superstructure block.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49">{{cite journal |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=April 2006 |title=Singapore Moves to Realise Its Formidable Ambitions |journal=Jane's Navy International |volume=111 |issue=4 |pages=42–49}}</ref> The frigates also possess better sea keeping qualities and are able to stay at sea for longer periods of time.<ref name=Frigate/>

===Sensors and systems===
The frigates are equipped with the [[Herakles (radar)|Thales Herakles]] [[passive electronically scanned array]] multi-function radar, which provides three-dimensional surveillance for up to {{convert|250|km|abbr=on|1}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Thales HERAKLES|work=Thales|url=http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930125024/http://www.thales-naval.com/naval/pdf/herakles1.pdf|archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref> The radar provides all-round automatic search and tracking of both air and surface targets, and is integrated with the [[MBDA Aster]] air defence system.<ref>{{cite web|title=Combat Systems of the Frigate|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=11 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070511010520/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/combatsystems.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> Utilising the DCNS [[Sylver (missile launcher)|Sylver]] [[vertical launching system|vertical launch system (VLS)]], each frigate is equipped with 32 cells.<ref>{{cite web|title=Formidable Class Multi-Mission Frigates, Singapore|work=Naval Technology|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=15 May 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515084258/http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/formidable/|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is reported that the frigates have a special [[surface-to-air missile]] configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of Aster 15 and 30 missiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Target acquisition - MAST highlights missile-defense concepts|work=Defence Technology International|url=http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=7 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207121335/http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0108/index.php?startpage=38|url-status=live}}</ref>

The ''Formidable''-class frigates are key nodes within the [[Singapore Armed Forces]]' Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control network, a concept similar to the United States Department of Defense's [[network-centric warfare]] doctrine. The locally developed Combat Management System integrates all the sensors and weapon systems on board, and a dual [[Fast Ethernet]] data transfer system forms the backbone of this system.<ref name="Scott 2006 42–49"/>

Each frigate has a span of influence that stretches up to about {{convert|200|nmi|km|abbr=on}}, where it acts as the Navy's mobile operations centre out at sea and receives information from sister ships and aerial assets deployed within the range. The Combat Management System will then make sense of the different data, establish an accurate picture of the area of operations, and send the information back to shore and to its army and air force counterparts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Frigates to Function as Ops Centre in Integrated Warfighting|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|access-date=2007-05-29|archive-date=8 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608190625/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/news/2007/May/07may07_news.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This increases [[battlespace]] awareness and allows little time for the enemy to react due to the short sensor-to-shooter loops.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Wan|first=Gail|date=May 2007|title=Heralding the New-Age Navy|journal=Pioneer|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|access-date=2007-05-31|archive-date=27 June 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070627170243/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2007/may07_cs.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Armament===
The frigates are equipped with [[Boeing Harpoon]] missiles and [[OTO Melara 76 mm|Oto Melara 76 mm guns]] for surface defence. The Harpoon missile has a range of {{convert|130|km|nmi|abbr=on}} and uses active radar guidance. It is armed with a {{convert|227|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} warhead. There is space for as many as 24 Harpoon missiles at the center of ship making it the most well armed ship of its class.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boey |first1=David |title=Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class stealth frigates display upgraded capabilities at Navy Open House 2013 |url=http://kementah.blogspot.com/2013/05/republic-of-singapore-navy-formidable_19.html |website=Senang Diri|date=19 May 2013 }}</ref> The gun fires {{convert|6|kg|lb|abbr=on|adj=on}} shells to a maximum range of {{convert|30|km|yd|abbr=on}} at a firing rate of up to 120 rounds per minute. The frigates will be equipped with the [[Blue Spear|Blue Spear SSM]] codeveloped by [[Israel Aerospace Industries|IAI]] and [[ST Engineering]] as part of the Formidable's ongoing MLU program, replacing the aging Harpoon missiles and giving the Frigates additional beyond-line-of-sight(BLOS) as well as sea and land attack capabilities.<ref>{{cite news |title=IMDEX 2023: Singapore to deploy Blue Spear missile on Formidable class |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/imdex-2023-singapore-to-deploy-blue-spear-missile-on-formidable-class |access-date=6 May 2023 |agency=Janes |publisher=Janes}}</ref>

The frigates are also equipped with the [[EDO Corporation]] active low frequency towed sonar to enable long range submarine detection and classification, as well as [[EuroTorp]] [[A244-S|A244/S Mod 3]] lightweight torpedoes fired from two B515 triple-tube launchers hidden behind the bulwark.

The frigates are equipped with [[Sikorsky S-70]]B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the [[United States Navy]] [[Sikorsky SH-60B Seahawk]]. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with [[Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation]] in January 2005 to acquire six of these helicopters, which will be organic to the frigates.<ref>{{cite web|title=Republic of Singapore Navy Acquires Six New Naval Helicopters|work=Sikorsky Corporation|url=http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextchannel=96d99a93bc298110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&pressvcmid=9fbda96c2e289110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD&keyword=Singapore&dateFrom=null&dateTo=null&model=null&business=null&matchCriteria=null&matchKeyword=any&fromSearchPage=true&businessIndex=null&=modelIndex=null#|access-date=2010-11-22|archive-date=26 May 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240526050253/https://www.webcitation.org/6AGcVc4vF?url=http://www.sikorsky.com/vgn-ext-templating-SIK/v/index.jsp%3Fvgnextoid=00de6eb78fa78110VgnVCM1000001382000aRCRD|url-status=dead}}</ref> Each of these naval helicopters are equipped with a [http://www.telephonics.com/ Telephonics] [[List of radars#AN/APS Series|AN/APS-143 ''Ocean Eye'']] [[X-band]] maritime surveillance and tracking radar,<ref name="APS">{{Cite web |url=http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |title=Designation-Systems.net: AN/APR to AN/APS - Equipment Listing |access-date=3 May 2010 |archive-date=12 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612031233/http://designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-apr2aps.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a [[L-3 Communications]] Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar ([[HELRAS]]) dipping sonar, EuroTorp A244/S Mod 3 torpedoes and a [[Raytheon]] AAS-44 electro-optic system to provide infrared detection and tracking.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moss|first=Trefor|date=March 2010|title=Helicopters return to Singapore following integration training|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref> The naval helicopters will be raised as a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and piloted by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the Navy.

==Mid-life upgrades==
On 5 May 2023, the Ministry of Defence of Singapore announced plans to update the capabilities of the Formidable class frigates in order to maintain technological edge. <ref>{{cite web |title=Fact Sheet: Mid-life Upgrades to Formidable-class Frigates |url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2022/March/02mar22_fs2 |access-date=29 Jun 2024}}</ref> On 14 December 2023, ST Engineering announced a contract was received for the upgrade which it expects to complete by 2028.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fact ST Engineering Awarded Contract for Mid-Life Upgrade of Formidable-class Frigates |url=https://www.stengg.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/st-engineering-awarded-contract-for-mid-life-upgrade-of-formidable-class-frigates/ |access-date=29 Jun 2024}}</ref> A related contract was announced by [[Naval Group]] on 2 May 2024 to support the upgrade as partners of ST Marine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Naval Group signed a contract with ST Engineering Marine Ltd for the upgrade of the Formidable class frigates |url=https://www.naval-group.com/en/naval-group-signed-contract-st-engineering-marine-ltd-upgrade-formidable-class-frigates/ |access-date=29 Jun 2024}}</ref> 

==Ships in class==
[[File:RSS Intrepid.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Intrepid'' in port]]
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-01.jpg|thumb|RSS ''Formidable'' Rear view]]
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-02.jpg|thumb|Bridge of RSS ''Formidable'']]
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%"
|-
! Name !! Pennant<br />number 
!Builder!! Launched !! Commissioned !! Status
|-
|{{RSS|Formidable}} || align="center" |68
| [[DCNS (company)|DCNS]],
{{Flag|France}}
| 7 January 2004 || 5 May 2007 || Active
|-
|{{RSS|Intrepid}} || align="center" |69
|rowspan="5"| [[ST Engineering]],
{{Flag|Singapore}}
| 3 July 2004 || 5 February 2008 || Active
|-
|{{RSS|Steadfast}} || align="center" |70
| 28 January 2005 || 5 February 2008 || Active
|-
|{{RSS|Tenacious}} || align="center" |71 
| 15 July 2005 || 5 February 2008 || Active
|-
|{{RSS|Stalwart}} || align="center"|72 
| 9 December 2005 || 16 January 2009 || Active
|-
|{{RSS|Supreme}} || align="center" |73 
| 9 May 2006 || 16 January 2009 || Active
|-
|}

==Operational history==
[[File:Singaporean Frigate Steadfast (FFS-70), RIMPAC 2008.jpg|thumb|Astern view from starboard: RSS ''Steadfast'' during RIMPAC 2008.]]
The six frigates form the 185 Squadron of the RSN.

RSS ''Formidable'' participated in [[Malabar 2007|Exercise Malabar 07-2]] in September 2007, a Theater Security Cooperation engagement involving the navies of the United States, India, Australia, Japan and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2007|title=Kitty Hawk, Allies Complete Malabar Exercise|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31737|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=21 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021074945/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31737|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=December 2007|title=Statement by Admiral Gary Roughead Chief of Naval Operations Before The House Armed Services Committee on the Cooperative Strategy For 21st Century Seapower|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/08489C1_Statement_13DEC07_HASC_CNO_Maritime_Strategy_final.pdf|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=3 October 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081003113920/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/cno/08489C1_Statement_13DEC07_HASC_CNO_Maritime_Strategy_final.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The exercise involved more than 20,000 personnel on 28 ships and 150 aircraft, including the USS ''Kitty Hawk'' [[Carrier Strike Group]].<ref>{{cite web|date=September 2007|title=Exercise Malabar 07-2 Kicks Off|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31691|access-date=2008-04-12|archive-date=12 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112235023/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31691|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-05.jpg|thumb|VLS and Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid gun]]
[[File:RSS Formidable-20191014-04.jpg|thumb|Hidden [[Harpoon (missile)|Harpoon]] launcher]]

RSS ''Intrepid'' conducted the navy's inaugural live firing of the French-made Aster 15 surface-to-air missile on 2 April 2008, off the French coast of Toulon.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 2008|title=Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean Witnesses Inaugural Aster Missile Live Firing|work=MINDEF|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/apr/03apr08_nr.html|access-date=2008-04-03|archive-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703062357/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2008/apr/03apr08_nr.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The frigate successfully shot down an aerial drone simulating an enemy target with an Aster missile. It was reported that the frigate sailed halfway round the world to test fire the Aster missiles due to the crowded air and sealanes around Singapore and the lack of an instrumented firing range needed by defence engineers to track and measure the performance of the Aster missile.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Boey|title=S'pore Navy's first surface-to-air missile firing a success|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=2008-04-03}}</ref>

RSS ''Steadfast'' participated in the world's largest multilateral naval exercise [[RIMPAC]] for the first time from 27 June to 31 July 2008, which involved 20,000 personnel from 10 countries operating over 35 ships, six submarines and over 150 aircraft.<ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=RIMPAC Touted as Largest Maritime Exercise in the World|work=United States Navy|url=http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38312|access-date=2008-08-06|archive-date=5 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205152600/http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38312|url-status=dead}}</ref> During this exercise, RSS ''Steadfast'' launched a [[Harpoon missile]] on a decommissioned USN warship on 14 July 2008 and also refueled at sea with a contingent of USN vessels.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 2008 |title=Republic of Singapore Navy Participates in RIMPAC For First Time |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a0b070b45-b277-4885-b067-3192fdd4dd85&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307145332/http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/blogs/defense/index.jsp?plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:0b070b45-b277-4885-b067-3192fdd4dd85&plckCommentSortOrder=TimeStampAscending |archive-date=7 March 2012 |access-date=2008-08-06 |work=Aviation Weekly - Ares}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=July 2008|title=Singapore warship makes mark in 10-nation drill|work=Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore|url=http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,10719,|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205174453/http://app.mfa.gov.sg/pr/read_content.asp?View,10719,|url-status=dead|archive-date=2009-02-05|access-date=2008-08-06}}</ref> Participation in this exercise also validated the RSN's ability to conduct sustained sea operations.<ref>{{cite journal|date=July 2008|title=Singapore's Steadfast successfully fires Harpoon missile|journal=Jane's Defence Weekly}}</ref>

On 16 November 2009, the Republic of Singapore Air Force established its Peace Triton Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopter detachment at the USN Maritime Strike Weapons School in San Diego, California to undertake qualification and operational training under the umbrella of the USN's SH-60F Aircraft Qualification Course. RSS ''Stalwart'' was deployed to southern California to support ship/air integration activities.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Scott|first=Richard|date=November 2009|title=Singapore establishes 'Peace Triton' helicopter training unit in US|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref> On 25 March 2010, the Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that the Seahawk integration programme had successfully concluded with a "high-tempo, week-long exercise" involving assets from both the RSN and USN, including five surface ships, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft and F/A-18 Hornet combat jets.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Moss|first=Trefor|date=March 2010|title=Singapore's Seahawk integration programme concludes successfully|journal=Jane's Navy International}}</ref>

In September 2012 the RSN deployed RSS ''Intrepid'' and an S-70B naval helicopter in support of [[Combined Task Force 151]] (CTF 151), a multinational effort to fight piracy in the shipping lanes off Somalia. This was the first operational deployment of a Formidable-class frigate and naval helicopter for counter-piracy operations in the [[Gulf of Aden]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RSS Intrepid returns home|first=Nathaniel|last=Hong|newspaper=[[The New Paper]]|date=16 December 2012|url=http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121214-389618.html|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328041034/http://www.asiaone.com/print/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20121214-389618.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed by a second deployment in March 2014 of a task group comprising RSS ''Tenacious'' and another S-70B, the fifth such mission undertaken by the SAF.<ref>{{cite press release|title=SAF Deploys Fifth Task Group to the Gulf of Aden|website=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)]]|date=17 March 2014|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2014/mar/17mar14_nr.html#.UzSIU4VqO2U|access-date=27 March 2014|archive-date=28 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140328011259/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_room/official_releases/nr/2014/mar/17mar14_nr.html#.UzSIU4VqO2U|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 9 March 2014, RSS ''Steadfast'' was deployed along with other air and sea assets to assist with the search and rescue operations of [[Malaysia Airlines Flight 370]].<ref>{{cite news |title=SAF deploys more assets to help search for missing plane |url=http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/saf-deploys-more-assets-help-search-missing-plane |newspaper=[[Today (Singapore newspaper)|Today]] |date=10 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014 |archive-date=13 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313074915/http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/saf-deploys-more-assets-help-search-missing-plane |url-status=live }}</ref>

In December 2014, RSS ''Supreme'' was deployed in the search for [[Indonesia AirAsia Flight 8501|Airasia Flight QZ8501]] after it crashed into the Java Sea on 28 December 2014; along with RSS ''Valour'', RSS ''Persistence'', RSS ''Kallang'', MV ''Swift Rescue'', and two [[Lockheed C-130H Hercules]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Singapore sends 5th navy ship for AirAsia QZ8501 search |url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore-sends-5th-navy/1560480.html |newspaper=[[Channel NewsAsia|CNA]] |date=31 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150106043157/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore-sends-5th-navy/1560480.html |archive-date=6 January 2015}}</ref>

On 26 July 2021, RSS ''Intrepid'' conducted a passage exercise with HMS ''Queen Elizabeth'', the flagship of [[United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group 21]] and her escort ships, together with RSS ''Unity'' and RSS ''Resolution'', marking the first time the RSN has conducted an exercise with a UK Carrier Strike Group.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Min Zhang |date=2021-07-27 |title=British carrier strike group conducts passage exercise with Singapore navy |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/british-carrier-strike-group-conducts-passage-exercise-with-singapore-navy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240614120108/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/british-carrier-strike-group-conducts-passage-exercise-with-singapore-navy |archive-date=2024-06-14 |access-date=2021-07-31 |website=The Straits Times |language=en}}</ref>

On 2 March 2022, MINDEF announced plans to upgrade the Formidable class frigate as part of its plans for a modernized, next generation SAF 2040. This entails comprehensive upgrades to all of its subsystems, including armament, combat systems and communications equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lim |first=Min Zhang |date=2 March 2022 |title=Budget debate: Singapore navy's frigates to be upgraded with better combat system |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/budget-debate-singapore-navys-frigates-to-be-upgraded-with-better-combat-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240614115832/https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/budget-debate-singapore-navys-frigates-to-be-upgraded-with-better-combat-system |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=The Straits Times}}</ref>

From 1 to 7 November 2022, RSS Formidable participated in the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force's 70th anniversary International Fleet Review in Yokosuka, Japan alongside 38 other ships from 13 countries. During the visit, the crew participated in a city parade marching alongside other navies as well as participating in the review sail-past by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. RSS Formidable was also included in a multilateral search and rescue exercise conducted by the JMSDF.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Singapore |first1=MINDEF |date=7 November 2022 |title=Singapore Navy Participates in International Fleet Review in Japan |url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2022/November/07nov22_nr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240614115551/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/mindef/news-and-events/latest-releases/article-detail/2022/November/07nov22_nr |archive-date=14 June 2024 |access-date=14 June 2024 |website=Ministry of Defence, Singapore}}</ref>

== See also ==
*{{sclass|Kang Ding|frigate|1}} (Taiwan)
*{{sclass|Tamandaré|frigate|1}} (Brazil)

==References==

{{Reflist|2|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite web |author1=<!--not stated--> |title=Punching above its weight – up close with the Singaporean Navy |url=https://www.navylookout.com/punching-above-its-weight-up-close-with-the-singaporean-navy/ |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=6 May 2025 |date=5 May 2025}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Formidable class frigates}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20080820014422/http://www.mindef.gov.sg/weapons/frigate/ Official frigate website, MINDEF]
*[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/navy/assets/vessels.html MINDEF - Republic of Singapore Navy - Naval Assets]
*[http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2503 Formidable Class frigate - Republic of Singapore Navy on navyrecognition.com]
;Video links
*{{YouTube|66CpVxV2JFg|Video clip of RSS ''Formidable'' taking part in Malabar 2007}}

{{Ship classes of the Republic of Singapore Navy}}
{{La Fayette class frigate}}

[[Category:Frigate classes]]
[[Category:Formidable-class frigates| ]]
[[Category:Stealth ships]]
[[Category:Frigates of the Republic of Singapore Navy]]